Gumi City Opens "Aerospace Defense Logistics Expo and Drone Bot Combat Competition"

Emerging as a Hub for Aerospace and Defense Industries
Business Agreement Signed to Promote the Defense Industry Among the Korea Defense Industry Promotion Association, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, and Gumi City
A Festival for Citizens at Gumico and Kumoh National Institute of Technology from September 24 to 26
Youth Talent Recruitment Briefing Receives Strong Response... Presenting a Vision for the Future of Aerospace, Defense, and Logistics

The "2025 Aerospace Defense Logistics Expo (GADLEX)," co-hosted by Gyeongsangbuk-do Province and Gumi City, and the "3rd Second Operations Commander's Cup Drone Bot Combat Competition," hosted by the Second Operations Command, Kumoh National Institute of Technology, and Kyungwoon University, jointly opened on September 24 at the Gumi Convention Center (Gumico). The events will continue for three days until September 26, featuring a variety of collaborative programs involving industry, academia, and the military.

Prior to this, the "2025 Gumi Defense Industry Partnership (GDIP)" event was held on September 23-24, with participation from foreign military attach?s who engaged in industrial tours and cultural exploration.

Starting with attendance at the expo's opening ceremony, the "Forum for the Future of K-Defense Opened Through Cooperation," business matching, and networking activities made significant contributions to expanding overseas markets and international cooperation for Gumi's defense companies, further enhancing the event's impact.

Gumi City Opens "Aerospace Defense Logistics Expo and Drone Bot Combat Competition"

Before the opening ceremony of the 'Aerospace Defense Logistics Expo and Drone Bot Combat Competition,' the Korea Defense Industry Promotion Association, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, and Gumi City signed a business agreement to foster the defense industry. Afterward, Kim Jangho, mayor of Gumi City, gave an interview to reporters. Photo by Kim Ihwan

On the opening day, a financial business agreement to promote the defense industry was signed among the Korea Defense Industry Promotion Association, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, and Gumi City. This agreement is significant as it lays the foundation for strengthening the competitiveness of local defense companies and advancing the industrial ecosystem.

This year's expo set a new record as the largest ever, with 94 domestic and international companies and organizations participating and operating 204 booths.

The exhibition and promotional halls showcased the latest defense industry technologies and products. Export consultation meetings between overseas buyers and companies, youth talent recruitment briefings, and expert seminars and forums are being held daily.

In particular, on September 25, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea Institute for Advancement of Technology (KIAT) are hosting a youth and university (including graduate students) recruitment consultation and briefing session, which is attracting high interest from young job seekers.

Human resources managers from major defense companies will communicate directly with young people and offer on-site recruitment opportunities, which is expected to yield positive results for both companies and youth.

During the event, to provide companies with opportunities to explore overseas markets and expand cooperative networks, the following programs are being held: an offset trade-linked export consultation meeting with participation from seven overseas companies; one-on-one consulting on government-supported projects by the Defense Industry Mutual Aid Association, Defense Material Trade Support Center, and Korea Testing Laboratory; a policy debate on physical AI logistics automation at Daegu-Gyeongbuk Airport; a seminar on joint rear-area anti-drone systems and UAM development strategies; an investment briefing session by Gumi City; a technology exchange meeting; and the 2025 International Drone Industry Forum. These programs are expected to further expand cooperation and exchanges among industry, academia, and businesses.

The "3rd Second Operations Commander's Cup Drone Bot Combat Competition," held at Kumoh National Institute of Technology, features fierce competition over three days in a total of seven categories, including military application fields (surveillance and reconnaissance, bomb dropping, drone creation, and robot challenge) and sports participation fields (drone soccer, drone racing, and drone battle).

Citizens participated in a variety of programs, such as Surion helicopter exhibitions and rides, drone and robot experiences, 3D printing, and simulated shooting. Notably, the military band performance, honor guard demonstration, and busking concert held at 5 p.m. on September 24 heightened the festive atmosphere and brought the opening day to a grand conclusion.

Kim Jangho, mayor of Gumi City, stated, "This year's Aerospace Defense Logistics Expo and Drone Bot Combat Competition are meaningful events held on an unprecedented scale. Based on these achievements, we will do our utmost to help Gumi take another leap forward as the center of Korea's defense and aerospace industries."