Korean Air showcases aerospace technology at KADEX 2024

Korean Air will participate in the 2024 Korea Army International Defense Exhibition (KADEX), scheduled from October 2 to October 6 at the Gyeryongdae Airfield in South Chungcheong Province, South Korea.

Organized by the Association of the Republic of Korea Army (AROKA), KADEX connects Korean defense companies with domestic and international buyers. The exhibition will feature approximately 1,400 booths from 365 companies.

Korean Air will showcase its expertise in military Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) and its advancements in Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) by featuring a range of advanced aerospace technologies. On display will be a full-scale model of the UH-60 “Black Hawk” military helicopter, alongside several unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). These include a medium-altitude UAV, an AI-collaborative UAV, and a small-scale strike UAV designed for integration with multiple launch rocket systems. The company will also showcase various UAV platforms, including a low-observable UAV squadron and a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) UAV.

Since 1979, Korean Air has performed MRO on over 5,000 U.S. and South Korean military aircraft, establishing itself as the largest military aircraft maintenance base in the Asia-Pacific region. The company is currently expanding into special launch vehicle research and development, alongside various unmanned aerial platforms.

Notably, Korean Air has specialized in the UH-60, Korea’s flagship military helicopter, since it first began domestic production in 1990. The company continues to perform upgrades and maintenance on these aircraft and is preparing for a special MRO project for the UH-60.

Korean Air also participated in developing the MALE UAV (KUS-FS), which will serve as a strategic drone for the Korean military. Developed in collaboration with the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), the KUS-FS can conduct continuous surveillance over the Korean Peninsula over 20 hours at altitudes of 10 to 13 kilometers. Mass production of this UAV began in 2023.

“By spearheading future core technologies, we aim to drive innovation and enhance our national defense capabilities,” said a Korean Air spokesperson. “Our ongoing investments in research and development underscore our commitment to being a key driver in the growth and global competitiveness of Korea’s aerospace sector.”