South Korea's impressive plans for improving its defense industry have paid off. The country is now gradually doubling overseas orders with the aim of becoming a military powerhouse in the world soon.
South Korea as a Top Arms Exporter
(Photo : South Korean Defense Ministry via Getty Images)
UNDISCLOSED LOCATION, SOUTH KOREA- NOVEMBER 19: In this handout image released by the South Korean Defense Ministry, A U.S. B-1B Lancer strategic bomber, four U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jets and two South Korean Air Force F-35 fighter jets fly over South Korea during the joint air drills in response to North Korea's intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) launch on November 19, 2022 at an undisclosed location in South Korea.
Selling weapons and providing armaments to several countries is what South Korea envisions someday.
As one of the most prominent countries with excellent military performance, the country is no exception when it comes to exporting the most powerful guns and weapons.
According to CNN, President Yoon Suk Yeol is still planning to surpass their sales of firearms. However, the recent move is already enough to place South Korea in fourth place when it comes to weapons export.
"By entering the world's top four defense exporters after the United States, Russia, and France, the (South Korean) defense industry will become a strategic industrialization and a defense powerhouse," Yoon said.
The country's leader gave a brief visit to the military weapon production facility located in Sacheon last Thursday, Nov. 24. Yoon held a meeting about the importance of boosting the exports of weapons for both the public and the private sectors.
Yoon later called the defense industry a "new growth engine" which will make the country even more popular as a trusted weapon seller.
The South Korean army used to conduct training at Sacheon Airport which is adjacent to the KAI production hub. The same airport is used by pilots who test jet fighters such as KF-21. The country expects that this aircraft will undergo mass production by 2026.
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South Korea is Here to Provide Cost-Effective Weapons
With the ongoing feud between South and North Korea, it's understandable why the former is heavily preparing for the worst.
As part of its preparation, it's been effectively marketing its defense products to other countries. According to Nikkei Asia, the government of SoKor has allocated $6.6 billion or 8.8 trillion won just for this project alone.
Seoul has a clear vision of becoming the center of weapon selling to developing countries. The country will provide cost-effective weapons that are very affordable for emerging nations including the Philippines and Indonesia.
Outside Asia, the country has signed a $3 billion agreement with Poland for the 48 FA-50 light attack aircraft. The said export is reportedly based on Lockheed Martin's own technology.
Apart from that, Poland is investing over $12 billion to buy 180 tanks from Hyundai Rotem. It's also negotiating with the Hanwha group for the purchase of extra ammunition and artillery.
The overseas defense export of South Korea dramatically rose this year. From 2021's record of $3 billion, it even increased to $7.2 billion so far.
The year has not ended yet, but South Korea hopes that it will surge further before 2023 arrives in a few months.
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This article is owned by Tech Times
Written by Joseph Henry
