South Korea's Defense Industry Set for a Major Leap Forward

Industry experts highlight the need for South Korea's defense industry to expand beyond its domestic-focused ecosystem to include private firms, local governments, and allied nations to achieve global leadership in the arms market.

Building an Innovative Defense Ecosystem

Kang Hwan-seok, Deputy Director of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), emphasized the urgency of upgrading defense products, integrating AI, and securing supply chains to sustain growth in defense exports during his keynote at the 1st National Defense & Defense Industry Strategy Forum.

Strategic Investments in Future Technologies

DAPA plans to invest 72 billion won to support 300 innovative companies in strategic sectors like AI, space, and semiconductors by 2027, aiming to localize next-generation defense technologies and strengthen the industrial foundation.

Strengthening US-South Korea Defense Collaboration

To enhance cooperation with the United States, DAPA will establish a civil-military working group focused on ship maintenance, repair, and overhaul, involving various sectors to develop testing and certification systems and train professionals.