The 2026 Gumi Aero, Defense & Logistics Expo (GADLEX) will kick off on October 28 for a three-day run at Gumico, bringing together future technologies from the aviation, defense, and logistics industries while connecting global companies with export consultations, investments, and recruitment opportunities.

Co-hosted by Gyeongsangbuk-do Province and Gumi City, this year’s expo is the largest-scale event yet, featuring 94 companies and organizations operating 207 booths. The comprehensive event will feature business consultations between global aerospace and defense giants—such as Boeing and Airbus—and domestic firms, alongside investment and management consulting, recruitment programs, professional seminars, cutting-edge equipment exhibitions, and public experiential events.

Beyond a simple exhibition of technologies and products, this event is designed as a practical business exchange platform to support companies in entering overseas markets, attracting investments, and securing top talent.

Boeing, Airbus, and 8 Global Enterprises Participate to Expand Export and Investment Opportunities

This year’s expo will welcome eight global corporations: Airbus, Boeing, Safran, GE Aerospace, Embraer, Lockheed Martin, Thales, and Bell.

Through offset trade export consultation sessions between these global giants and domestic companies, the expo aims to help domestic small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) break into global supply chains and expand their overseas sales channels. It is expected to serve as a prime opportunity for companies in the aviation, defense, and logistics sectors to directly engage with international firms and showcase their technological prowess and product competitiveness.

Investment and management support programs have also been prepared for SMEs and startups. The Korea Early Stage Investors Association (KESIA) will provide 1-on-1 expert consulting for participating companies, offering support in establishing investment strategies, management advisory, pitch deck improvements, and investor networking.

Additionally, sector-specific professional seminars will share industry trends and technological development directions, fostering cooperation and discovering new business opportunities among enterprises.

Major Corporations Like Hanwha and Hyundai Rotem Join; Recruitment Consultation and Job Briefings on the 30th

On October 30, the final day of the expo, a recruitment program will be held to bridge young job seekers with aviation and defense companies.

Companies such as Hanwha Systems, LIG D&A, Hyundai Rotem, Eastar Jet, Sungjin Techwin (Firstec), and Next Aerospace will participate to host 1-on-1 recruitment consultations and corporate job briefings.

Participants will have the opportunity to gather company-specific recruitment information and understand specific job roles and required competencies. Gumi City expects this program to serve as a stepping stone for local youth to explore career paths and employment opportunities in the aviation and defense sectors.

Furthermore, programs like VR simulator experiences and customized aptitude consulting will be operated to enhance understanding of related industries and job roles.

Defense Attachés from 15 Countries Gather in Gumi to Expand International Cooperation for "K-Defense"

In conjunction with the expo, the 2026 Gumi Defense Industry Partnership (GDIP) will take place over two days from October 27 to 28.

Defense attachés from 15 countries—including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Italy—along with representatives from domestic defense firms, will attend to share the future vision of K-Defense and explore ways to expand international defense cooperation.

On the first day (October 27), the diplomatic military attachés will visit LIG D&A’s Gumi plant to tour the advanced technologies and production infrastructure of local defense companies.

Following this, a forum under the theme "Opening the Future of K-Defense through Cooperation" will feature representatives from major defense firms like Hanwha Systems and LIG D&A discussing the direction of defense industry development and expanding networks.

On October 28, a B2G export consultation session linked with the Aero, Defense & Logistics Expo will be held to create collaborative opportunities between domestic companies and overseas defense officials.

Through this GDIP, Gumi City plans to promote the technological capabilities of local defense companies abroad, expand global defense networks and export cooperation foundations, and maximize synergy with the expo.

119 Teams and 411 Participants Compete in Dronebot Contest; Advanced ROK-US Military Equipment on Display

Alongside the expo, the 2nd Operational Command Commander's Dronebot Combat Contest—co-hosted by the Republic of Korea Army’s 2nd Operational Command, Kyungwoon University, and Kumoh National Institute of Technology—will also take place.

A total of 119 teams comprising 411 participants (63 military teams with 212 members and 56 civilian teams with 199 members) will compete in operating drones and robots.

The military division will compete in seven categories, including drone bomb dropping, surveillance and reconnaissance, airframe creation, drone battle, drone racing, drone shooting, and drone survival. The civilian division will compete in seven categories as well, replacing drone battle with a robot challenge.

This competition is designed to explore the military utility of drones and robots and share technologies and ideas related to AI-based manned-unmanned composite combat systems.

The South Korean military will showcase reconnaissance, logistics, and educational drones, counter-drone equipment, and the Warrior Platform, alongside running photo zones with armored vehicles and military police motorcycles. The U.S. military is scheduled to exhibit drones, counter-drone equipment, and High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWVs).

In addition, hands-on programs such as drone piloting and game experiences, mini-drone racing, and small robot manufacturing workshops will be provided. Diverse attractions, including military band performances, honor guard and taekwondo demonstrations, university club performances, and drone swarm busking, will also be featured.

Gumi Mayor Kim Jang-ho stated, "This expo is a vital venue where global aviation and defense enterprises and domestic companies can meet to seek new cooperative opportunities, connecting everything from exports and investment to talent cultivation." He added, "Based on Gumi’s exceptional manufacturing foundation and the technological prowess of our defense companies, we will actively support expanding domestic and international cooperation networks so that local businesses can successfully advance into the global market."

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]