Gumi City in North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea, hosted the Gumi Aerospace Defense Logistics Exhibition 2025 (GADLEX 2025) from September 23–24, alongside the Global Defense Industry Partnership Forum (GDIP 2025). These events marked a significant step in positioning Gumi as a global hub for advanced defense technologies and innovation clusters.
Global Participation in GADLEX 2025
The event attracted 94 domestic and international companies and institutions, setting up 204 booths at the Gumi Exhibition Convention Center (GUMICO). Military attachés from 15 countries, including the US, India, France, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Poland, participated in discussions on strategic defense partnerships and technology cooperation.
Key Highlights of the Exhibition
- Showcase of Advanced Technologies: Exhibits included unmanned systems, AI-based weaponry, quantum communication, and aerospace logistics innovations.
- Industry Leaders’ Participation: Major defense firms such as Hanwha Systems, LIG Nex1, Airbus, RTX, and Thales engaged in technology showcases and trade consultations.
- Export Consultation Meetings: One-on-one sessions facilitated local Korean defense SMEs’ entry into global supply chains.
- Innovation Cluster Development: Gumi City announced investments of 49.9 billion won by 2027 to build a defense innovation ecosystem, supporting startups, research institutes, and next-gen defense projects.
Forums and Expert Insights
At GDIP 2025, keynote presentations highlighted the future of K-Defense exports, unmanned marine systems, and AI-driven defense strategies. Experts emphasized the growing importance of South Korea in the global defense supply chain, especially after surpassing USD 17 billion in defense exports in 2022.
Gumi’s Vision as a Global Defense Hub
By fostering university-industry-research collaborations and building testing facilities such as the Nakdong River unmanned surface vehicle testbed, Gumi is cementing its role as a strategic hub for defense R&D, exports, and workforce training.
The success of GADLEX 2025 demonstrates South Korea’s ambition to strengthen its K-Defense brand and accelerate its footprint in the global aerospace and defense market.
