[Defense Column] Who Are Defense Exhibitions Really For?

The ground defense industry exhibition has ultimately split into two. One is the ‘Defense Expo Korea (DX KOREA)’ held at KINTEX in Ilsan, and the other is the ‘Korea International Defense Industry Exhibition (KADEX)’ to be held at Gyeryongdae in Chungnam. The timing is also similar. DX KOREA will take place from September 25 to 28, and KADEX will be held the following week, from October 2 to 6.

Originally, they were one event. Under the name DX KOREA, it was hosted by the Army Association and organized by the private exhibition company Defense Expo (IDK). It was held five times biennially in even years from 2014 to 2022. The problem was money. IDK, citing consecutive deficits, did not pay the donation promised to the Army Association. This was the root cause. The dispute escalated into a battle of pride. Ultimately, reconciliation failed, and the event split into two. IDK registered the trademark in 2021 and decided to use the exhibition name ‘DX KOREA.’ The Army Association chose to use the new name ‘KADEX.’

Defense companies are shaking their heads. It is obvious that both exhibitions will become a national embarrassment. KINTEX in Ilsan, where DX KOREA is held, can support a load of 5 tons per square meter, allowing indoor display of heavy equipment such as tanks. The problem is that the Ministry of National Defense, Army Headquarters, and Defense Acquisition Program Administration have all withdrawn their support. The justification for inviting overseas army chiefs of staff has disappeared. It is uncertain whether actual army equipment will be displayed. All equipment produced by defense companies is owned by the army. Exhibition without the army’s permission is impossible. In the end, it is likely to be a mere fa?ade of a defense exhibition.

KADEX is no different. The venue is the emergency runway at Gyeryongdae, Chungnam. The Army Association promotes the exhibition as being held at the ‘heart of national defense,’ where the headquarters of the army, navy, and air force are located, along with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, Agency for Defense Development, and Army Training Command nearby. However, the reality is disappointing. It takes at least four hours for overseas customers to travel from Incheon Airport to Gyeryongdae. Various convenience facilities are lacking. Only portable toilets are available. There are even criticisms such as ‘Middle Eastern crown princes might have to use portable toilets.’ The temporary tent facilities are also problematic. No country in the world holds exhibitions in temporary tents. If autumn heavy rains pour, it would be a national disgrace. The Army Association stated plans to operate shuttle buses linked to Gyeryongdae Station and nearby accommodations through agreements with local lodging businesses, but this is unlikely to please visitors.

Both organizations emphasize that these are the “largest ground exhibitions,” “exhibitions desired by defense companies,” and “for K-defense.” I want to ask again: have they ever considered the perspective of defense companies even once? They have never held any opinion surveys or briefing sessions regarding the exhibitions for defense companies. They only pressured for participation fees. Defense companies are reluctant to participate anywhere. They are more interested in overseas exhibitions. Starting September 3, Poland, the largest customer of ‘K-defense,’ will hold the ‘International Defense Industry Exhibition (MSPO).’ Following that, from the 11th, Australia will hold the ‘Land Forces’ exhibition. On the same day as the domestic ground exhibitions, the Philippines, the largest ‘K-defense’ customer in Southeast Asia, will start the ‘ADAS Defense Exhibition.’ Next month, preparations must be made to participate in the AUSA exhibition in the United States, considered the world’s largest ground forces defense exhibition. Overseas exhibitions are more practical for exports.

The defense industry calls for consolidation of domestic exhibitions. In 2008, when numerous defense exhibitions hosted by each military branch were rampant, the Prime Minister’s Office instructed the military to integrate DX-KOREA and Seoul ADEX, but the plan fizzled out with a change in administration. Even the current government, which regards ‘K-defense’ as its greatest achievement, needs to reconsider.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.