A large-scale defense equipment exhibition has begun in South Korea spotlighting its flourishing arms industry.

South Korea has been increasing armament exports to Eastern Europe and elsewhere, as countries boost military build-up in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Last year, it received overseas orders worth 17.3 billion dollars, which is more than double the amount in 2021.

The exhibition opened at an air base near Seoul on Tuesday.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said during the opening ceremony, "The defense industry is a strategic national industry that supports national defense and the economy."

He added his government will create an environment for sustainable growth and enhance global competitiveness.

The six-day event will run through Sunday. South Korea is pushing to export tanks, which are on display at the venue among other military equipment.

Representatives of weapons manufacturers were seen explaining their products to foreign defense officials.

Above the expo venue, a US strategic bomber B-52 made a flyover. The bomber later took part in a joint drill with the South Korean air force, and landed at a South Korean air base in the central part of the country.

The US and South Korean forces underscored their intention to strengthen deterrence against North Korea on the occasion of the trade show.