KAI Participates in Saudi Arabia’s WDS, Presents KF-21 Roadmap for the Middle Eastern Market🇸🇦
Korea Aerospace Industries, Ltd. (KAI) is participating in the World Defense Show (WDS) held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from February 8 to 12 (local time).✨️
As Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern nations pursue defense modernization and strengthen their self-reliant defense capabilities, the WDS has established itself as a key platform for defense cooperation and discussions on the export of K-defense products in the region.
At this year's exhibition, KAI plans to focus on marketing activities aimed at securing the first overseas exports of the KF-21 fighter jet, which is scheduled to enter service with the Republic of Korea Air Force this year.
Alongside the KF-21, KAI will also showcase its flagship aircraft—such as the FA-50 light combat aircraft and the LAH light armed helicopter—as well as a small Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Through these exhibits, KAI intends to actively promote its technological competitiveness across manned-unmanned integrated systems and aerospace technology in the Middle Eastern market.
A notable feature of this year’s exhibition is the “Team Korea” joint display area, where domestic companies involved in the KF-21 development will jointly present their contributions to highlight the aircraft’s performance excellence, high level of localization, and future growth potential.
KAI’s KT-1 and T-50 aircraft—recognized for their high operational flexibility and availability—are already in service with several MENA countries including Iraq, Türkiye, and Senegal.
Additionally, the Korean Utility Helicopter (KUH) has secyred its first overseas export to Iraq.
These developments demonstrate the growing confidence and sustained interest of Middle Eastern countries in KAI’s aviation products.
Saudi Arabia is currently implementing its Vision 2030 initiative, which encourages global companies to engage in local production and technology partnerships.
In line with this policy, KAI aims to pursue long-term, strategic collaboration and position itself as a reliable partner for various cooperative projects.
Notably, on January 28, the Commander of the Royal Saudi Air Force visited KAI’s headquarters in Sacheon, where he witnessed a demonstration flight of the KF-21 and toured the production facilities.
He expressed strong interest in the KF-21 and KAI’s key aviation platforms, maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities, as well as its education and training systems.
KAI CEO Jae-Byoung Cha stated, “With our participation in the WDS, we will accelerate the export of our key products and strive to develop into a strategic partner for cooperation with the Middle East region.”