Domestic defense companies such as LIG Nex1, Hyundai Rotem, and Hanwha Aerospace are mobilizing to participate in the Saudi International Defense Exhibition held in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, until Feb. 8, aiming to penetrate the Middle Eastern market.
According to the defense industry on Feb. 5, this year’s WDS, being the second of its kind, is the largest defense exhibition in the Middle East, with participation from over 900 companies from 45 countries.
LIG Nex1 plans to significantly enhance its export business with a range of products and technologies optimized for local environments. At the exhibition, they will showcase various air defense weapon systems including the Cheongung II medium-to-long-range surface-to-air missile system designed to counter ballistic and aircraft attacks, a long-range artillery interception system to protect key facilities and personnel from long-range artillery threats, and the portable surface-to-air guided weapon Shingung.
Furthermore, LIG Nex1 is introducing a manned-unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) platform solution in collaboration with Hyundai Rotem, combining mission-specific guided weapons and anti-drone systems, and conducting joint promotions. They plan to lead the rapidly expanding future warfare market through strategic cooperation in areas such as Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T).
Hyundai Rotem is seeking to expand its market foothold with its lineup of ground unmanned platforms. In the Middle Eastern market, it will display for the first time a full-sized multipurpose unmanned vehicle and defense drones, including a desert-colored multipurpose unmanned vehicle mock-up.
Hyundai Rotem’s multipurpose unmanned vehicle can transport injured soldiers, ammunition, and military gear, or be equipped with fast charging stations and remote weapon stations for surveillance and reconnaissance missions. The Middle Eastern variant of the multipurpose unmanned vehicle will be equipped with LIG Nex1’s anti-tank guided missiles.
Hanwha Group’s defense affiliates, Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Systems, and Hanwha Ocean, will showcase land, sea, and air solutions including core components in the aviation sector.
Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Systems will display the F414 engine and AESA radar for the Korean fighter KF-21 Boramae, advanced avionics, and aircraft survivability systems such as the Directional Infrared Counter Measures. Hanwha Aerospace will also exhibit the K9 self-propelled howitzer and the Redback armored vehicle. Hanwha Ocean will present unmanned underwater vehicles and surface vessels as part of its marine unmanned systems solutions for the 3600-ton class submarine KSS-III.