Changwon City and Navy Open Yi Sun-sin Defense Industry Exhibition... Strengthening the Status of K-Defense

A Showcase of Advanced AI and Unmanned Weapon Systems
Business Export Consultation Sessions Held

The opening ceremony of the "2026 Yi Sun-sin Defense Industry Exhibition (YIDEX)," jointly hosted by Changwon Special City and the Republic of Korea Navy, was held in grand fashion on April 1 at the Korea Naval Academy and naval port in Jinhae.

Opening of the Yi Sun-shin Defense Industry Exhibition (YIDEX).

This event is co-hosted by Changwon Special City, the Korea Naval Academy, and the Navy Logistics Command, with the Changwon Industry Promotion Agency serving as the organizer. Key Navy figures attended the opening ceremony, including Jang Geum-yong, Acting Mayor of Changwon Special City; Kim Kyung-ryul, Chief of Naval Operations; Park Kyu-baek, Superintendent of the Korea Naval Academy; Kim Kyung-chul, Commander of the Navy Logistics Command; and Kwak Kwang-seop, Acting Commander of the Navy Operations Command. In addition, representatives from domestic and international defense companies, the Defense Attaché Corps in Korea, and other key figures in the defense industry were present.

The opening ceremony began with a performance by the Navy Band, followed by a declaration of the future vision for the defense industry and a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the exhibition hall. To celebrate the opening, the Air Force Black Eagles performed an air show.

On the parade ground of the Korea Naval Academy, which is adjacent to the sea, exhibits include the Hyeongung guided rocket, unmanned aerial vehicles, light tactical vehicles, and chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear reconnaissance vehicles. At the naval port dock, Army and Marine Corps weapon systems are on display, such as the Korean Amphibious Assault Vehicle (KAAV), K808 wheeled armored vehicle, and K2 main battle tank.

Furthermore, open ship events, including tours of the Marado vessel, are being held, and 112 promotional booths from 46 defense companies and institutions have been set up to showcase the current state and future direction of South Korea’s defense technology.

Now in its fifth year, the Yi Sun-sin Defense Industry Exhibition has expanded both in size and substance, not only featuring displays of actual weapon systems and advanced defense technologies, but also including export consultations, academic seminars, and public experience programs.

On the first day of the event, programs include the "AI Era Defense Industry Future Forum," a corporate recruitment fair, and business consultation sessions. On the second day, there will be an open house inviting foreign defense attachés to visit companies, a defense robotics new technology forum, and new technology and product presentations. On the final day, programs will cover all areas of the defense industry, including a conference on the localization of parts development and a briefing session on research and development projects for naval vessels. In addition, various side events are planned, such as the cadet Chungmu ceremony, a demonstration by the Navy honor guard, and a Taekwondo demonstration team performance.

Jang Geum-yong, Acting Mayor of Changwon Special City, stated, "The 2026 Yi Sun-sin Defense Industry Exhibition is a meaningful occasion to showcase the Navy’s advanced capabilities and the competitiveness of K-Defense companies both at home and abroad. I hope this event will serve as an opportunity to deepen understanding and further strengthen cooperation between the Navy and the defense industry. Our city will also spare no effort to support defense companies, laying the groundwork for them to leap onto the global stage as a leading city in the defense industry."

Kim Kyung-ryul, Chief of Naval Operations, said in his congratulatory address, "The Yi Sun-sin Defense Industry Exhibition has grown into a specialized defense industry exhibition where one can experience the remarkable technologies and realities of K-Defense. Just as the turtle ship was a symbol of innovation and creativity in the past, I hope this exhibition will become the center of South Korea’s defense industry, driving innovation in K-Defense."

Meanwhile, Changwon Special City and the Navy plan to use this Yi Sun-sin Defense Industry Exhibition as a platform to secure future military capabilities based on advanced science and technology and actively support the export of defense companies, thereby further enhancing the global competitiveness of K-Defense.

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