The Institute of East & West Studies held its 14th international seminar on aerospace power on June 28th at the Seoul Plaza Hotel with “strategy innovation in the 21st century and the role of the air force” as its theme. This seminar has gained a status as the nation’s most preeminent seminar in areas of aerospace and security ever since its 1st meeting in 1998. On its 14th meeting, the seminar is said to have provided an important turning point for the development of aerospace power by reestablishing the way in which Korea’s Air Force must head toward through discussions among experts. During the opening ceremony, President Park Young Ryeol acknowledged the public’s expectations for the air force and emphasized the need for systematic research and close collaboration between the academia and the military for the development of aerospace power. In his congratulatory remark, the Air Force Chief of Staff Park Jongheon said, “I hope constructive and productive discussions take place to find a creative and flexible space strategy in a rapidly changing security environment.” In addition, representatives from Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Eurofighter stressed the comparative advantages of each of their companies. The three companies have previously expressed their intentions to be part of the FX business concerning the adoption of cutting edge fighter aircrafts. Following their talks, hot debates between them and weapons specialists were sparked over the most appropriate plane model for Korea’s national security and military.