The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced on the 1st that it will hold the 1st Defense Industry Day ceremony in Seoul on the 8th.

Defense Industry Day is a national memorial day established in August 2023 to inform the public about the importance of the defense industry and to inspire pride among those in the defense industry. July 8 was designated through a public competition and is recorded in the Annals of Imjin War as the day when the turtle ship first participated in the Battle of Sacheon in 1592. The date was considered in light of the determination to protect the homeland and the meaning of independent technological capabilities symbolized by the turtle ship.

The 1st Defense Industry Day promotional poster. /Courtesy of Defense Acquisition Program Administration

Defense Industry Day is an event hosted by DAPA and organized by the Korea Defense Industry Association, taking place for the first time this year. From the 8th to the 13th, there will be a week of programs for Defense Industry Day. Attendees at the ceremony on the 8th will include workers in the defense industry and officials from the government and specialized institutions. Additionally, an awards ceremony for contributions to defense industry development and the 2025 Defense Industry International Academic Seminar are planned.

From the 9th to the 11th, events such as the Defense Component and Material Equipment Expo, the Defense Policy Development Conference, and a defense technology utilization startup competition will be held at the Changwon Convention Center. On the 11th, there will be an awards ceremony for the Defense Industry Innovation Idea Contest at the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul. On the 12th, the Defense Industry Citizen Participation Festival will take place at Han River Park in Banpo, featuring an airshow by the Black Eagles.

Specific programs can be found on the official website.

DAPA Administrator Seok Jong-geon said, "Defense Industry Day is a day to express gratitude for the dedication and passion of those who contributed to building Korea's defense industry and to share with the entire nation that defense is an essential national strategic industry for national security, peacekeeping, and economic growth."

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