The first-ever Seoul International Air Show provided commercial and military aircraft companies from several nations a major public relations showcase to demonstrate the capabilities of their next generation aircraft. It also demonstrated the Republic of Korea's (ROK) commitment to becoming a major aerospace power in the world market.

Among the main military competitors attempting to convince Korea to by its next generation fighters were the United States, Russia and France. The U.S. showed three fighters: the F16 "Fighting Falcon," F/A18 "Hornet," and the F15E "Strike Eagle." The Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) is considering the F15E, which is widely regarded as the world's premier, multi-role deep interdiction fighter. The F15 has a perfect air combat record of 96.5 victories and zero losses, destroying 33 of the 35 fixed wing aircraft Iraq lost in air combat during Operation DESERT STORM. As a dual-role fighter, the F-15E provided devastatingly effective flying at night and in bad weather to destroy numerous Iraqi mobile Scud missile launchers and other important military targets.

The Russian Sukhoi-37, regarded as one of the best aircraft in its class in the world, made its first public flight demonstration in Northeast Asia during the Seoul Air Show. "I believe the Su-37 is the best of all Sukhoi aircraft. It is very easy to fly and has outstanding long, medium, and short range, as well as dogfighting capability," said Evgeni Frilov, a Sukhoi test pilot who has flown 65 missions in the Su-37.

The French were equally confident of Dassault's Rafale, a long range multi-role, fighter. Serge Dassault, President of Dassault Aviation, believes the Rafale will be the only twin-engined, multi-role fighter on the world's export market in the next decade. "Its multi-role weapons system and complete phased-array radar will make it the only combat fighter capable of both ground attack and interception."

During the opening ceremony for Seoul Air Show '96, Prime Minister Lee Soo-Sung, Honorary Chairman of the Seoul Air Show, acknowledged Korea's endeavor to be among the world's leaders in the aerospace industry:

Considered as the information and technology concentrated industry of the 21st century, aerospace has become the most competitive of all fields. Looking at aerospace as the industry of the future, there is enormous significance in the opening of the Seoul Air Show, which as a place for learning and exchanging information, this inaugural event will be an occasion to promote peace and harmony as well as to expand understanding. Stepping onto the forefront of aerospace technology, Korea will further our commitment toward the development of the aerospace industry, and help realize our children's dreams and challenges in the area of aviation and space.

Seoul Air Show '96 consisted of four major attractions: the indoor and outdoor exhibitions, technomart, aerospace symposium, and demonstration and aerobatic flights. The indoor and outdoor exhibitions included displays of the latest models of jet fighters, commercial aircraft, as well as aviation and satellite equipment from countries with advanced aerospace industries. The technomart, organized for the introduction of sophisticated technology, brought together aerospace specialists from several countries for the exchange of information on new technology, which will help propel the ROK's aerospace industry toward greater progress.

Another major activity was the aerospace symposium which was designed to help advance Korea's aerospace industry and to reinforce the defense capabilities of the ROKAF. Last were the demonstrations and aerobatic flights, staged twice a day to showcase the world's latest civilian and military aircraft as well as the professional skills of several aerobatic flight teams.

Highlights of the aerial demonstration segment of Seoul Air Show '96 included impressive performances by the United States' F-16 and F/A-18, Russia's Sukhoi-37, and France's Rafale fighters. Each performed a series of aggressive maneuvers and aerobatics, showcasing its enormous capabilities. The audience was particularly fascinated by the performance of the Su-37 and its thrust-vectored engines, which enable it to be much more maneuverable than its counterparts, especially at very low speeds and high angles of attack.

Aerial shows were also performed by the "Black Eagles," ROKAF's demonstration team, flying the Cessna A-37 "Dragonfly," and by the United States civilian acrobatic team, "The Sierra Aces," flying the Pitts S-2B.

Co-sponsored by the ROKAF and the Korean Aerospace Industries Association, Seoul Air Show '96 took a great deal of preparation to ensure its success. "Over 2000 people have worked extremely hard to make this event possible," said Col. Cho Choo Hyung, Director of War Studies at Headquarters Republic of Korea Air Force and ROKAF spokesperson for Seoul Air Show '96. According to Col. Cho, the co-organizing committee solved several key issues well ahead of time and exceeded their expectations. "We coordinated with the Korean National Police and U.S. military to address our security, safety, and traffic control concerns, and overall the results were outstanding," said Col. Cho. "The assistance provided by the United States military, from the U.S. Pacific Command, to the Combined Forces Command, to U.S. Forces Korea, has been tremendous. They have brought aircraft from all over the world and have contributed significantly to the success of Seoul Air Show '96," added Col. Cho.

For the ROK, Seoul Air Show '96 was yet another demonstration of its growing status as a major technological and economic power in the AsiaPacific region.