South Korean companies turning necessity into export opportunity
The AS21 Redback is an example of the exportability of South Korean systems. (Photo: Hanwha Defense)
South Korea’s particular geopolitical situation and threat environment has created a defence industry ecosystem of substantial size and breadth.
The South Korean government’s desire to create indigenous capabilities across all its armed forces, ranging from fighter aircraft and submarines to land vehicles, has seen South Korean industry step up to meet the country’s unique requirements. In the land domain, this has led to broad export successes for the country.
The production of vehicles is led by Hyundai Rotem and Hanwha Defense and Aerospace; two large entities expanded further by takeovers and consolidation. Both companies are strongest in their local markets but build on that to sell widely across Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Hanwha’s K9 self-propelled howitzer (SPH) is probably the
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![Rheinmetall and KNDS tank tie-up narrows trans-European options]()
Rheinmetall and KNDS tank tie-up narrows trans-European options
The French and German governments signed an agreement in June 2018 to cooperate on the development of a new main battle tank under the Main Ground Combat System programme but the effort has struggled. This new agreement may damage it further.
-
![2025 land market review: British Army woes, European heavy armour and US MBT progress]()
2025 land market review: British Army woes, European heavy armour and US MBT progress
The last year has seen several major procurements in the land market. Shephard’s Dr Peter Magill reviews the main trends and themes in land procurement of 2025.
-
![Hungary set to begin using Hero 400 loitering munitions]()
Hungary set to begin using Hero 400 loitering munitions
Developed by Israel's Uvision and with systems being sold in the thousands to multiple European NATO countries and the US, the Hero family of loitering systems is also in production in the US and Italy, the latter through Rheinmetall.
