South Korean firms showcase cutting-edge military solutions at defense expo in Abu Dhabi
By Kim Joo-heonPosted : February 18, 2025, 15:37Updated : February 18, 2025, 15:50
Hyundai Rotem's exhibition booth at IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy of Hyundai Rotem
SEOUL, February 18 (AJP) - South Korean firms are showcasing their advanced solutions at the largest defense exhibition in the Middle East, which kicked off in Abu Dhabi earlier this week.
The week-long event, IDEX 2025, which kicked off on Monday, features 1,350 defense firms from 65 countries, bringing together more than 130,000 defense officials.
Hyundai Rotem is showcasing a K2 tank variant tailored for the desert climate and terrain of the Middle East. Equipped with a fully South Korean-made power pack, the tank is capable of withstanding extreme heat. It also features an enhanced cooling system and an Active Protection System (APS) that detects and intercepts incoming anti-tank missiles in real time.
Hancom Lifecare's defense items are displayed in cooperation with EDGE Group at IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy of Hancom Lifecare
Hancom Lifecare, a defense and safety equipment subsidiary of Hancom, participated in the exhibition. The K3 and K10 gas masks were primarily showcased to target the UAE military, while the K11 gas mask was introduced to cater to the needs of law enforcement officials and police agencies.
Hancom Lifecare will also promote general gas masks and CBRN-compatible fire evacuation masks targeting government agencies. The South Korean firm aims to solidify its presence in the Middle Eastern market through joint marketing efforts with UAE's defense conglomerate EDGE Group.
Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha System's exhibition booth at IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi
Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Systems are showcasing their key products and technologies related to domestically developed, integrated multi-layered air defense solutions such as the K9 self-propelled howitzer, one of South Korea's best-selling weapons.
Kia's exhibition booth at IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy of Kia
Kia presented three vehicles suitable for military tactics: the KMTV, a medium-sized truck, and the KLTV, a small tactical vehicle. The KMTV is designed to replace the South Korean Army's 2.5-ton and 5-ton vehicles and will be supplied starting in June. The KLTV is a two-seater cargo vehicle with capabilities for extreme conditions like crossing rivers and starting in temperatures as low as minus 32 degrees Celsius.
South Korean entrepreneurs including Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan of Hanwha Group, Chairman Koo Bon-sang of LIG Nex1, and CEO Kang Goo-young of Korea Aerospace Industries, are also attending the event to seek business expansion.