Asia makes waves in the global defence market (Opinion)
In a little over three months from contract signature, the first K9A1 howitzers arrived in Poland. (Photo: Hanwha Defense)
Over the past year, South Korea’s defence industry has shone brightly on the international stage. Indeed, Seoul’s efforts to boost self-sufficiency are paying off big time, and companies from this nation are now footing it with some of the best in the rest of the world.
In 2022, Hanwha, Hyundai Rotem and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) enjoyed major sales successes.
In January, there was an MoU for the sale of KM-SAM air defence systems to the UAE, and in February, a contract was signed for hundreds of K9A1 155mm self-propelled howitzers (SPH) to Egypt.
These were eclipsed in the second
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
White House calls on Pentagon contractors to “rapidly and aggressively” boost weapon production
Intended to sustain Operation Epic Fury against Iran, efforts to increase the production of weapons and ammunition could expose long-standing weaknesses in the US defence industrial base.
-
India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict
The latest escalation between Iran and Israel could shape New Delhi’s next-generation shield as India deepens cooperation with Israel on missile defence and drone production.
-
Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?
The Pentagon spent a considerable number of THAAD and SM-3 rounds to defend against Iranian missiles in 2025 and has not fully replenished its reserves.
-
New Zealand buys tri-service uncrewed kit from Syos Aerospace
As uncrewed technology continues to play an increasingly central role in modern military activities, New Zealand’s recent acquisitions point towards its the force’s focus on cost-effective capability.