LIG Nex1 and KAI showcase K-defense capabilities at LIMA 2025

Korea's defense industry is seeking to make strategic strides in strengthening regional security both at sea and in the air and its efforts are on full display at a regional exhibition in Malaysia.

Our defense correspondent Kim Bo-kyoung files this report.

K-defense looks to expand its realm to Southeast Asia.

The Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition 2025, the largest exhibition of its type in Southeast Asia, kicked off on Tuesday.

Among the Korean defense companies taking part is LIG Nex1.

With the South China Sea disputes propelling Southeast Asian states to strengthen their naval capabilities, LIG Nex1 is showcasing its "Haegung,.." ship-to-air guided missile defense system hoping to attract buyers such as the Malaysia Navy.

Many officials from other countries such as Vietnam and even Saudi Arabia also showed their interest.

"We are currently focusing our promotional efforts on a multi-layered air defense system. In the long term, we plan to expand into unmanned systems, space, cyber, and AI technologies."

Korea Aerospace Industries, was visited by the Malaysian Prime Minister.

KAI signed a deal with Malaysia in 2023 to export 18 FA-50 fighter jets, and with the very first one expected to be delivered next year, KAI is pushing for the second phase of the procurement project, as Malaysia plans to acquire an additional 18 aircraft.

The exhibition gave a peek into where K-defense stands in the global market.

European missile firm MBDA had a mock-up of KAI's FA-50 and KF-21 with its own missiles loaded, promoting these to Malaysia.

While sharing ideas of how MBDA could cooperate with KAI, the technical executive cited advanced technology and rapid delivery as some of the South Korean defense industry's strengths.

"It's how rapidly you can bring those capabilities to the market. KF-21 as an aircraft is a fine example of going from a concept phase all the way to something that is actually flying, integrating modern advanced missiles like meteor and actually doing test firings and maiden flights with it.

Based on the credibility it has earned, K-defense aims to explore more opportunities in the global defense market, starting in Malaysia.

Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News, Langkawi.