South Korea’s bold declaration at ADEX 2025 has sent ripples through the global defence sector, signalling a strategic pivot that could reshape the geopolitical and industrial landscape. The Republic of Korea is no longer content to keep pace with defence innovation—it is determined to lead it. President Yoon Suk-yeol’s keynote speech set the tone: by 2030, South Korea aims to become the world’s fourth-largest defence industry actor, positioning itself directly behind the United States, Russia, and China. This ambition is not merely economic; it is a calculated move to strengthen geopolitical posture and expand alliance networks, reflecting a push toward limited great-power status.
Over the past decade, South Korea has transformed into one of the most dynamic players in the global defence market. Economic foresight, security concerns, and social innovation have fuelled this evolution. ADEX 2025 vividly reflects this transition. Seoul is not just talking about becoming a ‘high-tech defence nation’—it is methodically building one through synchronized efforts in manufacturing, R&D, and alliance policy.
South Korea’s defence budget has remained stable at roughly 2.5–3 per cent of GDP, higher than most NATO members. The industry is geared not only toward domestic needs but also toward export-based growth. Between 2021 and 2024, South Korea became the world’s ninth-largest arms exporter, bolstered by the success of the K2 main battle tank, K9 self-propelled howitzer, FA-50 light combat aircraft, and various missile systems. Major procurement deals, particularly those with Poland, Norway, and Australia, have demonstrated that Korean technology is competitive, scalable, and can be delivered rapidly—qualities in exceptionally high demand in today’s geopolitical climate. Consequently, revenues among Korea’s four leading defence companies rose by 39 per cent between 2022 and 2023. In 2024, defence spending reached 2.6 per cent of GDP (USD 47.6 billion), and the Lee administration has pledged an additional 8.2 per cent increase by 2026—making South Korea a stable member of the global defence Top 10.
The Defence K-Tech strategy, announced in 2023, aims to digitalize the defence sector and create an innovation-driven ecosystem. This approach supports not only heavyweight companies such as Hanwha, KAI, and LIG Nex1, but also hundreds of startups and university research centres. The strategy rests on three pillars: high-tech defence manufacturing, AI-driven systems, and a smart export policy. Essentially, Defence K-Tech applies the logic of the cultural ‘K-Wave’ to the defence industry: Korean technology should be both reliable and valuable as a brand.
The primary factor influencing South Korea’s defence strategy is the unpredictability of North Korea’s military policy. By the mid-2020s, due to North Korea’s continuous missile launches, drone tests, and cyber operations, South Korea cannot afford to remain strategically passive. Simultaneously, Seoul is integrating deeper into the Indo-Pacific security architecture centred on the United States, Japan, and Australia. The partnership with the US remains essential, with major joint exercises such as Vigilant Storm and Ulchi Freedom Shield, as well as technological cooperation, especially in the areas of the KF-21 and missile systems, deepening trust. Nevertheless, South Korea is increasingly cultivating a distinct strategic identity that balances alliances with the development of its own capabilities. Regional power competition, intensified by China’s rise and Japan’s remilitarization reforms, further reinforces Seoul’s resolve.
In this context, ADEX 2025 is not just an exhibition; it is also a demonstration of intent. South Korea does not intend to be a follower, but rather a shaper of tomorrow’s defence technology landscape. Prominent US companies such as Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon were present, signalling deepening industrial ties. Pioneering human-machine teaming and defence integration were among the most striking demonstrations. The collaboration between Korean Air and Anduril Industries to develop an AI-based autonomous pilot system offers a glimpse into the future of human-machine teamwork. Bringing together Korean integration expertise and American autonomy solutions, the project’s goal is not to replace pilots, but rather to provide hybrid control architectures that support human decision-making, foreshadowing a next generation of unmanned operations.
Walking the exhibition floor, it was clear that South Korea intends to weave itself into global defence supply chains while leading in key niches: drone swarming, air defence, and air-combat systems. Hanwha Aerospace played a key role in showcasing multiple variants of the KF-21 Boramae