[Report] Next-Generation Weapons Unleashed by K-Defense on Alaska Nonstop Transport Aircraft Including Carrier-Based Fighters...

New Future Battlefield Weapons Unveiled at International Defense Exhibition 'Defense Industry Exhibition Korea 2022'
Exploring Export Opportunities to Over 50 Countries Including Slovakia, Romania, and Pakistan

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) exhibiting the domestically produced multipurpose transport aircraft (MC-X)

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is developing a carrier-based fighter jet (KF-21N)

LIG Nex1's 40kg-class transport drone

Unmanned reconnaissance attack drone 'Grey Eagle' operated by the US Forces Korea

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] Domestic defense companies have unveiled a flood of next-generation new weapons that will continue the "K-Defense myth." They showcased unmanned aerial vehicles equipped with artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, and stealth capabilities, offering a glimpse into future battlefields.

The venue of the international defense exhibition "Defense Industry Exhibition Korea 2022" (DX Korea 2022), which opened on the 21st at KINTEX in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, saw military officials from over 50 countries including Slovakia, Romania, and Pakistan attend from the first day to explore export possibilities. Based on advanced technology, domestic defense companies were aiming to exceed this year's defense export amount of over 10 billion USD.

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) unveiled a small multi-purpose helicopter (LUH) for special operations, a domestically produced multi-purpose transport aircraft (MC-X), and a carrier-based fighter (KF-21N). The domestically produced multi-purpose transport aircraft equipped with a turbo engine can fly over 7,000 km at a speed of Mach 0.7. This distance is enough to fly to Alaska in one go. Its payload capacity is about 10 tons more than the C-130 transport aircraft (20t) currently used by our military. KAI is regarded as the replacement model for the CN-235 transport aircraft and C-130H introduced in the 1990s.

The carrier-based fighter (KF-21N) was designed with folding wings, considering carrier deck parking and movement using elevators. The wing length was extended compared to the KF-21, indicating it is an aircraft that uses a runway rather than vertical takeoff and landing. The military is verifying the possibility of domestic development of carrier-based fighters to be mounted on the Korean-style aircraft carrier and has embarked on independent development. The military is considering a medium-sized aircraft carrier rather than the originally planned light aircraft carrier. On the 19th, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Kim Seung-gyeom answered "Yes" to the question from Kim Young-bae, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, at the National Assembly Defense Committee about whether the domestic development plan for the carrier-based fighter was based on the KF-21.

Korea Aerospace Industries - Domestically produced multi-purpose transport aircraft (MC-X), carrier-based fighter (KF-21N) attract attention
LIG Nex1 - Development of 200g-class ultra-small smart munition attached to soldiers' arms nearing completion
Korean Air - Dominating the unmanned aerial vehicle market with stealth-designed low-observable UAVs and unmanned wingmen
US Forces Korea - First participation in the exhibition showcasing latest self-propelled artillery and Grey Eagle

LIG Nex1 exhibited a 40kg-class transport drone. Jo Young-gi, head of LIG Nex1 Research Institute, said, "It is a drone capable of transporting military supplies or relief goods up to 40kg," adding, "Development is expected to be completed by the end of next year." The ultra-small smart munition measuring 22cm in length also attracted attention. The 'smart munition,' attached to soldiers' arms, weighs 200g but is considered a lethal weapon that can be launched toward enemy forces from a distance of 1 km.

Hanwha Defense showcased a model of an electric-mechanical transmission (EMT) for a hybrid electric propulsion system to be applied to armored vehicles for the first time domestically last year. Equipping tanks with a hybrid electric propulsion system enhances the operability of high-energy mission equipment such as laser weapons based on stable power supply. Compared to using only internal combustion engines, vehicle mobility is improved, and fuel efficiency is increased through better mileage. Noise and heat generation during operation are minimized, significantly increasing survivability.

Hanwha Systems displayed a model of a multifunction radar capable of simultaneous multi-target engagement for the counter-battery fire system. The multifunction radar for medium-range surface-to-air guided weapon systems signed an export contract worth 1.1 billion USD (about 1.5 trillion KRW) with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in January. They also exhibited a prototype of a small reconnaissance satellite, expressing confidence in satellite launches. Hanwha Corporation unveiled a drone detection and neutralization system utilizing laser technology.

Korean Air revealed low-observable unmanned aerial vehicles designed with stealth to avoid enemy detection, as well as unmanned wingmen. The unmanned wingmen, consisting of 3 to 4 UAVs, support and escort manned aircraft. Using the outdoor exhibition area, they also showcased a full-scale high-performance strategic unmanned aerial vehicle, a medium-altitude UAV with a fuselage length of 13m and a wingspan of 25m.

STX Engine presented a 1,000-horsepower engine for the K9 self-propelled howitzer developed last year. If the K9 self-propelled howitzer engine, which has used German engines, is localized, the number of export countries could increase. The use of German engines has blocked export routes to Middle Eastern countries. Germany restricts defense product exports to some countries such as Saudi Arabia and Oman. The company expects an economic effect of about 1.2 trillion KRW by 2030 if the localized engine is installed.

The US Forces Korea also participated in the exhibition for the first time. The US Army unveiled the latest self-propelled howitzer, the M109 A7 Paladin. The M109 A7 is the self-propelled howitzer possessed by the so-called "Dagger Brigade," the 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team of the US Army 1st Infantry Division, which is rotationally deployed to US Forces Korea. The indoor exhibition also featured the unmanned reconnaissance attack aircraft "Grey Eagle" operated by US Forces Korea, attracting attention.