{"id":2202739,"date":"2023-11-14T17:00:44","date_gmt":"2023-11-14T08:00:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2202739"},"modified":"2023-11-15T17:02:42","modified_gmt":"2023-11-15T08:02:42","slug":"how-south-koreas-arms-export-boom-challenges-european-defense-industry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2023\/11\/how-south-koreas-arms-export-boom-challenges-european-defense-industry\/","title":{"rendered":"How South Korea\u2019s arms export boom challenges European defense industry"},"content":{"rendered":"
As Europe grapples with conflict on its eastern borders, South Korea\u2019s arms industry has stepped up, challenging the established European defense industries.<\/span><\/p>\n However, this surge in South Korea\u2019s arms exports is causing a stir in the European defense market. This development has elicited mixed reactions: while some industry players in Europe see room for a new entrant, others are concerned about the potential impact on their businesses, highlighting broader systemic issues within the continent\u2019s defense sector.<\/span><\/p>\n Greta Monika Tuckute<\/span><\/a>, Lithuania\u2019s vice minister of defense, highlighted South Korea\u2019s appeal at the Seoul Defense Talk on Oct. 18. She pointed out South Korea\u2019s ability to innovate and offer high-quality, cost-effective military equipment.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t see why a country like Lithuania should limit itself to European industries when it comes to arming itself,\u201d Tuckute stated, reflecting a growing trend among European nations to explore diverse defense partnerships.<\/span><\/p>\n The conflict in Ukraine has been a turning point for South Korea\u2019s defense industry. Aiming to rank as the world\u2019s fourth-largest arms exporter by 2027, Seoul has made significant strides, most notably securing a <\/span>$13 billion contract<\/span><\/a> with Poland. This deal marks South Korea\u2019s robust entry into the European market, drawing interest from <\/span>Czechia<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Romania<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Estonia<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n