By Kayla Lee

Defense Korea, a subsidiary of SONID, together with UAE defense contractor Calidus, has opened a dedicated UAE pavilion at ADEX 2023 in Seoul. Sarah Al Amiri, UAE Minister of Science and Technology, and Abdulla Saif Al Nuaimi, UAE Ambassador to South Korea, visited the pavilion, the company said on Oct. 19.

"I wish the 'ADEX 2023' event a successful conclusion. And I will actively support Calidus' entry into Korea," said UAE Minister Al Amiri.

"The UAE Minister of Science and Technology and the UAE Ambassador to Korea showed great interest in our company and our defense technology," said Choi Sung-hoon, CEO of Defense Korea. 

"As Defense Korea has been authorized to expand business opportunities, including marketing and fulfilling countervailing trade obligations for Calidus' military equipment in Korea, we will work closely with Calidus to contribute to the establishment of active military exchanges between the Korean government and the UAE."

At Seoul ADEX 2023, Defense Korea displayed an AI combat robot. It is characterized by the development and application of a highly compatible universal firearm mount that can quickly recognize targets with AI and a K-series rifle.

Calidus' Wahash armored vehicle, which will be introduced to the Korean market by Defense Korea, is said to have far superior performance to existing armored vehicles in terms of payload, mobility, protection and firepower to conduct both land and amphibious operations.