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
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Eurosatory 2026: MARSS and parent company EOS expand air defence capability]()
Eurosatory 2026: MARSS and parent company EOS expand air defence capability
MARSS became part of EOS Defence earlier this year, bringing together the former’s C2 NiDAR and Nation Shield air defence products with the latter’s suite of effectors and sensors.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: GDELS and Thales combine proven tech to create reduced-risk CUAS]()
Eurosatory 2026: GDELS and Thales combine proven tech to create reduced-risk CUAS
Both Thales and GDELS shone a spotlight on their uncrewed and counter-drone efforts at Eurosatory 2026, highlighting the integration of mature technologies with stable C2 systems that are open to agnostic additions and expansion.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: IDV expands with new Viking and CL2X UGV]()
Eurosatory 2026: IDV expands with new Viking and CL2X UGV
At Eurosatory 2026, uncrewed ground vehicles (UGVs) are front and centre of IDV’s display, with a new variant of the Viking and the new CL2X on show.
