KAI participates in Dubai Airshow 2023

Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI), South Korea's sole military aircraft manufacturer, announced on Tuesday that it has participated in the "Dubai Airshow 2023," the largest airshow in the Middle East, held in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) from Nov. 13-17. 

The 34th edition of the Dubai Airshow features over 1,400 aviation and defense companies from more than 20 countries, showcasing 180 military and commercial aircraft and conducting demonstration flights.

KAI exhibits its key models, including the Korean-made supersonic fighter KF-21, the light attack aircraft FA-50, the domestic helicopter KUH-1 Surion, and the Light-armed Helicopter (LAH). Additionally, it will showcase next-generation products such as the Multirole Carrier-X (MC-X) and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite.

Moreover, KAI introduces a next-generation aerial combat system that applies both manned and unmanned composite systems to its main fixed- and rotary-wing models, known as a game-changer in the future battlefield, to the Middle East market.

During the Dubai Airshow, KAI unveiled its domestic helicopters Surion and the LAH, marking the first public appearance of these models at overseas airshows. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Surion has produced more than 250 units, serving in the Army and Marine Corps and various civilian roles, including police, coast guard, firefighting, and forestry.

The LAH, aimed at replacing the 500MD TOW and AH-1S attack helicopters, is currently in mass production. It is expected to perform missions such as the Army's air strike operations (anti-armor combat) and air assault support. The Surion and LAH will demonstrate high-level and special operations during this airshow.

KAI explained that during the airshow, it plans to discuss business cooperation and new business opportunities with high-ranking officials from governments, military leaders, and business executives in the Middle East and Africa, including the UAE.

"This airshow is a historic moment, with rotary-wing aircraft such as Surion and LAH making their debut on the international stage following the T-50 and FA-50," CEO of KAI Kang Goo-Young said. "We will take the lead in establishing domestic aircraft and K-space as key businesses leading the second Middle East boom by strengthening strategic partnerships, including the UAE."

Write to Mi-Sun Kang at misunny@hankyung.com