South Korea: $16.64 billion in as-yet-unawarded contracts up for grabs in the air domain
Manufactured by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), the KF-21 Boramae is a fighter aircraft that made its maiden flight in July 2022. (Photo: KAI)
South Korea’s military air market is the 12th largest in the world when it comes to unawarded procurement programmes, with an estimated US$7.50 billion potentially set to be awarded over the next decade.
New research from Shephard Defence Insight has revealed that South Korea’s military air market is worth an estimated US$53.19 billion. The findings also highlight the immediacy of the country’s as-yet-unawarded spending in the air domain, with a high proportion likely to be invested before the end of the 2020s.
Additionally, South Korea is expected to invest a comparatively high percentage of its future air spending on uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs), with partnerships with domestic suppliers representing one of the best opportunities for international manufacturers to access the country’s future UAV market.
Shephard’s analysis indicates that the value of unawarded opportunities for air programmes in South Korea
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
![Indonesia receives first A400M, considers four more aircraft]()
Indonesia receives first A400M, considers four more aircraft
The A400M aircraft that has been delivered was first ordered in 2021 with a second aircraft due to arrive next year.
-
![Italy moves to procure third batch of 29 AW249 helicopters]()
Italy moves to procure third batch of 29 AW249 helicopters
The €1.22 billion (US$1.41 billion) follow-on order for the additional helicopters will complement the 19 AW249 already ordered by Italy.
-
![October Drone Digest: Growing desire for CCAs and new VTOL technology unveiled]()
October Drone Digest: Growing desire for CCAs and new VTOL technology unveiled
During October 2025, several countries and organisations signalled their intention to acquire loyal wingman uncrewed aircraft systems — designated by the US Air Force as Collaborative Combat Aircraft — or to study the capability further, while various new uncrewed helicopters were showcased.
-
![Australia starts upgrade programme for P-8A Poseidon fleet]()
Australia starts upgrade programme for P-8A Poseidon fleet
The upgrades will work to strengthen the country’s maritime surveillance and anti-submarine capabilities, with one more aircraft due to be delivered by 2026.
