The International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition (MADEX) 2025, where South Korea's state-of-the-art naval weapon systems and maritime defense systems can be seen at a glance, officially opened on the 28th.

The MADEX opening ceremony, held from 10:30 a.m. that day, was attended by Admiral Yang Yong-mo, Chief of Naval Operations, Park Hyung-joon, Mayor of Busan, Yoon Jin-sik, Chairman of the Korea International Trade Association, and Kwon O-in, Vice Chairman of the Navy Association. Additionally, over 300 attendees including representatives from the private sector, government, military officials, and foreign military delegations from various countries were present. Admiral Yang and others later toured the exhibition booths of each company.

On the morning of the 28th at 10:30 AM, major officials including Park Hyung-joon, the mayor of Busan, and Admiral Yang Yong-mo, the Chief of Naval Operations, are cutting the tape at the opening ceremony of the International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition (MADEX) held at BEXCO in Busan. /Courtesy of Kim Ji-hwan.

The MADEX, which runs from the 28th to the 31st at BEXCO in Busan, is expected to be visited by delegations from 29 countries with over 100 foreign representatives. From Malaysia, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and other countries, military chiefs and generals will attend, where they will hold bilateral discussions with South Korean naval generals. The discussions will address interested weapon systems and support measures for the South Korean military.

The Navy will support export assistance in the maritime defense sector targeting naval leadership from seven countries. Tours of naval vessels and domestic defense companies will be provided for foreign delegations. A Navy official noted, "We will explain not only the maritime weapon systems used by the South Korean military, but also shipbuilding companies and materials."

To commemorate the 80th anniversary of its founding this year, the Navy operates a joint promotional center for the Navy and Marine Corps. This center has been structured to include an introductory zone graphically depicting the history of the Navy and Marine Corps, a high-tech power zone featuring 3D holographic exhibits and manned/unmanned power models.

At the '2025 International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition (MADEX)' held on the 28th at BEXCO Hall 1 in Haeundae District, Busan, participants are checking out the future unmanned surface vessel concept model 'Haegum-X' at the LIG Nex1 booth. /Courtesy of News1.

This year's MADEX took place on the largest scale ever, with an increase in participating companies compared to 2023. Domestic participants included HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hanwha Ocean, LIG Nex1, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Korean Air, and Poongsan. World-renowned defense companies such as Kwarton Aero, Leonardo, and Babcock also attended MADEX.

Admiral Yang Yong-mo said, "The state-of-the-art maritime weapon systems are expected to play a key role in realizing the vision of a 'strong naval maritime power' that the Republic of Korea Navy aims for, and I believe the innovative technologies presented at this event will further enhance our navy's combat power and greatly contribute to the export increase of 'K-defense' overseas."