A Comprehensive Look at the Maritime Defense Industry... 'MADEX' Opens on the 7th

Lockheed Martin and 128 Companies from 12 Countries Participate

The '2023 Busan International Shipbuilding & Marine Equipment Exhibition,' where you can see the cutting-edge equipment and technology of maritime defense and port industries at a glance, will be held from the 7th to the 9th at BEXCO Exhibition Hall 1.

Co-hosted by Busan City, the Navy, the Korea International Trade Association, and the Navy Development Association, this exhibition consists of the International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition (MADEX) and the International Port, Logistics, and Marine Environment Industry Exhibition (SEA-PORT). It was held every October but has been held in June since 2021.

Marking its 12th edition this year, the exhibition features 128 companies from 12 countries participating with 550 booths, boosted by the popularity of K-defense, and the exhibition area has increased by more than 50% compared to the previous event.

The exhibition is expected to see active military diplomacy among participating countries and substantial business for domestic defense export products, with about 100 naval and marine commanders, senior generals, military attach?s in Korea, and defense experts from 29 overseas countries attending in large numbers.

Major participating companies include leading domestic defense firms such as LIG Nex1, Hanwha Group (Hanwha Systems, Hanwha Aerospace), KAI, and Poongsan, as well as Lockheed Martin, Babcock International, GE, Rolls-Royce, Thales, and IAI.

The Korea International Trade Association plans to hold networking events inviting high-ranking overseas defense officials jointly with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration to increase future exports of domestic defense companies. Additionally, in cooperation with the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, buyers from major overseas export target countries will be invited to conduct export consultations and sign business agreements with domestic companies.

During the event, performances by the Navy Honor Guard and military band are scheduled at BEXCO Plaza for Busan citizens, and on the 8th, a commemorative patriotic concert celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Korea-US alliance will be held at the BEXCO Auditorium. Notably, during the event period, the Naval Operations Command in Yongho-dong will open its latest naval vessels, including the Wanggeon ship, to the public and conduct demonstrations of maritime unmanned systems.

The opening ceremony of the exhibition will be held at 10:30 a.m. on the 7th at BEXCO Exhibition Hall 1, attended by key figures from various sectors, domestic and foreign navies, the Ministry of National Defense, defense industry officials, and citizens.