Seoul’s defense export aspirations face hurdles amid differing motivations and industrial strengths in target regions
South Korean Apache helicopters conduct a fly-by over the ROK Army’s guided rocket systems at the Seoul ADEX 2023, Oct. 16, 2023 | Image: Korea Pro
Seoul aims to rank as the fourth largest global arms exporter by 2027. This ambition, set against the backdrop of landmark deals with Poland and Middle Eastern nations, highlights South Korea’s burgeoning defense sector. However, experts caution against overlooking inherent risks and challenges, from market saturation to diplomatic repercussions.
The government and private sectors, including the Agency for Defense Development and companies like Hanwha Systems and LIG Nex1, drive this growth. The recent International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX) at Seoul Airport, the nation’s largest defense expo, attracted 550 firms from 35 countries, showcasing innovations like Hanwha’s K-9 self-propelled howitzer and Hyundai Rotem’s K-2 Black Panther tanks.
Seoul aims to rank as the fourth largest global arms exporter by 2027. This ambition, set against the backdrop of landmark deals with Poland and Middle Eastern nations, highlights South Korea’s burgeoning defense sector. However, experts caution against overlooking inherent risks and challenges, from market saturation to diplomatic repercussions.
The government and private sectors, including the Agency for Defense Development and companies like Hanwha Systems and LIG Nex1, drive this growth. The recent International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX) at Seoul Airport, the nation’s largest defense expo, attracted 550 firms from 35 countries, showcasing innovations like Hanwha’s K-9 self-propelled howitzer and Hyundai Rotem’s K-2 Black Panther tanks.
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