Boom time has arrived for South Korean defence exports (Opinion)
The K239 Chunmoo rocket system has already found two export customers - Poland and Saudi Arabia.
With Seoul ADEX 2023 set to kick off next week, it’s a good time to consider the tremendous trajectory that South Korea’s defence industry has taken.
This year’s exhibition is sure to include numerous weapons of interest. In terms of witnessing innovation in Asia, the Zhuhai Airshow in China most definitely ranks number one, while Seoul ADEX is arguably not far behind.
This is thanks to a vibrant military-industrial complex and South Korea’s self-reliance in many equipment areas. South Korean companies make small arms, trucks, IFVs, MBTs, artillery systems, ships, submarines, USVs, fighters, helicopters, UAVs, missiles and much more besides.
The
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
Why small guns have been critical to layered CUAS architectures
Multiple countries have been deploying small arms as the last line of drone defence due to their multiple operational and tactical advantages.
-
Singapore Airshow 2026: ST Engineering hints at export success for AME assault rifle family
The Singapore-based technology company unveiled its new rifle family at this week’s airshow. Chen Chuanren spoke with the ST Engineering’s head of small arms to find out more about how the weapons have been refined.
-
High tension in the High North – a wake-up call for NATO’s future Arctic defence efforts?
Any potential ‘Arctic Sentry’ mission would be months in the planning, but with tensions high in the region given the US’s push for Greenland, NATO countries will need to continue to emphasise their commitment to the region, analysts have said.
-
Venezuela prepares personnel and equipment for a potential second US attack
Defence Minister Gen Vladimir Padrino López has declared that the Venezuelan armed forces “will continue to employ all its available capabilities for military defence”.
-
As the new year starts, the UK defence spending delay continues
The UK’s defence spending commitments remain uncertain as the government’s Defence Investment Plan, which had been due by the end of 2025, is yet to be published.
-
How might European countries look to tackle drone incursions?
Disruption of infrastructure in Europe, whether by cyberattack, physical damage to pipelines or uncrewed aerial vehicles flying over major airports, as has happened more recently, is on the rise. What is the most effective way of countering the aerial aspect of this not-so-open warfare?