K2 Tank, K9, Surion... Army TIGER Drone-Bot Festival Continues Through November 1

The '2026 Army TIGER Drone-Bot Festival,' co-hosted by the Ground Operations Command (hereinafter GOC), Gyeonggi Province, and Yangju City, and organized by the Private-Government-Military Event Promotion Committee, is being held at Gannap Airfield in Yangju City through November 1.

The 'Army TIGER Drone-Bot Festival' has been held annually since 2021 by the GOC, Gyeonggi Province, and Yangju City to promote mutual cooperation among the private sector, government, and military regarding the Army's drone-bot combat system, manned-unmanned integrated systems, and advanced combat weapons and equipment.

The opening ceremony held on the 30th was attended by General Lee Sang-ryeol, Commander of the Ground Operations Command and co-host agency head; Jo Jang-seok, Director of Gyeonggi Province's Balanced Development Planning Division; Jung Duk-young, Mayor of Yangju City; local residents; and military personnel.

In his opening remarks, General Lee Sang-ryeol said, "The drone-bot festival showcases the future of ground warfare toward advanced military strength and will serve as a venue where the private sector, government, and military feel development and national support. I hope this becomes a valuable opportunity to elevate 'trust with the people,' 'development for local communities,' and 'pride among military personnel' to the next level."

Mayor Jung Duk-young stated, "The way security, advanced technology, and our local community work together closely to expand the possibilities of future new businesses is the most powerful growth engine of Yangju City. I hope everyone will enjoy the future vision painted together by the private sector, government, and military, and the brilliant technology of advanced drone-bots."

The event proceeded with various celebration performances including Army Aviation congratulatory flights, Seoul Metropolitan Command Military Police motorcycle (MC) parade, Army TIGER combat system demonstrations, and taekwondo exhibitions.

On display at the venue are K2 tanks, K9 self-propelled guns, and Chunmoo, along with Surion helicopters, Biho composite systems, and obstacle-clearing tanks currently operated as primary combat equipment by the Korean military, as well as U.S. military combat equipment including IFPC (Indirect Fire Protection Capability) air defense weapons, MLRS multiple-launch rocket systems, and counter-artillery radar.

The public is offered opportunities to ride Surion helicopters, armored vehicles (K21, K200A1), and Military Police motorcycles. The Surion helicopter experience will be available to 228 people who registered through prior promotion.

Running through November 1, the event will feature various programs including demonstrations and riding experiences of the Army's drone-bot combat system and military combat equipment, drone battle competitions, performances by Korean and U.S. military bands and honor guards, and celebrity performances.

Lim Suk-hun, Chief of Information Planning at the GOC (Army Colonel), said, "This drone-bot festival will be an opportunity to directly verify the future of the Army and the mutual cooperation model among the private sector, government, and military, going beyond mere spectacle."