A defense exhibition showcasing the latest high-tech weapons kicked off near Seoul Tuesday, drawing dozens of top military officials and experts from around the world.

The Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition opened at the Seoul Air Base, just south of the capital, for a six-day run, displaying military equipment built by 386 defense manufacturers in 32 countries.

About 85 top military officials and experts from 45 countries, including Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani, joined the biennial event.

Cutting-edge aircraft on display include the high-altitude U.S. unmanned Global Hawk surveillance aircraft, the F-22 Raptor stealth fighter and the Boeing C-17 Globemaster III transport helicopter, as well as the Airbus Defense and Space's aerial refueling tanker.

South Korea plans to pitch homegrown trainer jets, including the KT-1 and the T-50, as well as K-2 tanks and K-9 self-propelled guns to global buyers.

This year's exhibition is the largest since ADEX's launch in 2009. It will include an air show involving the South Korean Air Force's Black Eagles flight display team, and South Korean and U.S. fighter jets. (Yonhap)