Korean SMEs showcase defense innovations at LIMA 2025

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Korea's defense companies, though smaller in scale, are presenting ambitious strategic solutions to bolstering security, from digital aircraft twins to anti-drone systems, at an ongoing regional showcase in Malaysia.

Our defense correspondent Kim Bo-kyoung reports.

A Boeing 737's 3-dimensional landing gear appears, just by wearing a mixed reality headset.

This, is one of many innovative products Korea's small and medium-sized companies have brought to the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition, LIMA, Southeast Asia's largest exhibition of this type.

Situated within the booth of the integrated "Korean Pavilion" Augmented Knowledge offers a digital twin of aircraft by integrating AI-based paper manuals with 3D models.

Currently being used by several institutions, the cloud service is already helping students learn aircraft maintenance more efficiently.

With the innovation that makes paper manuals a legacy of the past, the company aims to open up new opportunities at LIMA 2025.

"Malaysia offers relatively low labor costs and has a well-developed MRO industry. We're in contact with both companies like GE Aerospace and local schools, aiming to establish a foothold in Southeast Asia."

Optical communications company FOSTEC, which is showcasing expanded beam connectors that are reliable for field use, is already producing cables used for Korean missile defense systems like "Cheongung."

It now aims to explore more chances in the global market.

"Our products are about 1/5 the cost compared to Amphenol and Glenair, with delivery times reduced by about half, while maintaining equal or superior quality standards."

Also eyeing the Southeast Asian market is an anti-drone manufacturer, producing a system that integrates multiple functions into one. It can detect, operate jamming methods, disrupt the signals and spoofing, 그리고 send false GPS signals to mislead the drone to move to a different direction.

"I've heard that many key officials from important agencies such as the Malaysian Air Force and police will be attending, so we hope there will be an opportunity to participate in bids with the Malaysian government."

With strong government support behind them, Korean defense SMEs are taking a big leap into the global market.

Kim Bo-kyoung, Arirang News, Langkawi.