Seoul ADEX 17 Concludes, Partnerships Thrive

24 October 2017

From Air Force Staff Sgt. Alex Echols, 51st Fighter Wing

SEOUL AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition 2017 wrapped up here, Oct. 22. More than 150 personnel and over 10 different aircraft from the U.S. military were in attendance, showcasing their capabilities and strengthening the ironclad alliance with the Republic of Korea.

“The team that came together out here was fantastic,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Jason Lowe, Seoul ADEX 17 air boss. “From maintenance to transportation, and security forces to aircrew, we needed every single body out here, and we all came together to make it happen.”

The U.S. Air Force was in full force at the ADEX and showcased the raw power of the F-22 Raptor and the B-1B Lancer along with the agility and maneuverability of the C-17 Globemaster III through aerial demonstrations.

The U.S. joint force also brought in static displays from around the globe including the first ever remotely piloted aircraft flown through Korean airspace, the RQ-4 Global Hawk, as well as two F-35 Lightning IIs, an E-3 Sentry, a C-130 Hercules and a U.S. Navy P-8 Poseidon.

The large U.S. presence at the ADEX signifies its commitment to stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

“The U.S. is a very important country to Korea in all aspects,” said Mr. Suk-chul Jang, Seoul ADEX 17 head of co-organizing office. “Demonstrating that Korea and the US share a system of cutting-edge weapons at Seoul ADEX represents a strong relationship between us.”

The week-long airshow featured more than 400 exhibitors from 33 countries along with many demonstrations and displays showcasing present and future state-of-the-art aerospace and defense technology.

“The Republic of Korea Air Force is poised and ready to answer the call of its nation, and the United States stands steadfast beside you,” said U.S. Air Force Gen. Terrence J. O'Shaughnessy, Pacific Air Forces commander. “Thanks to the hard work, leadership, and professional dedication of ROKAF Airmen and their leaders and the support of all the industry partners, we stand ready to confront any challenge! Katchi kapshida – we go, together!”