S.Korea’s Defense Export Ambitions Soar as Saudi Arabia Inks $3.2 Billion Missile Deal

Saudi Arabia Signs Deal for Ten Cheongung-II Missile Batteries
Expansion to Submarines and Other Ground Force Weapons Expected
Iraq Displays Interest in Korean Surion Helicopters

Amidst Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Poland’s substantial arms imports propelled ‘K-defense’ to achieve a record-breaking defense export revenue of $17.3 billion, leading the country to aspire to become the world’s fourth-largest defense exporter. Experts have identified Middle Eastern oil heavyweights as a key factor in this success.

Amidst Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Poland’s significant arms imports propelled ‘K-defense’ to achieve a record-breaking defense export revenue of $17.3 billion, setting sights on becoming the world’s fourth-largest defense exporter. Experts have attributed this ambition to the affluent oil funds in the Middle East.

In November 2023, a substantial deal worth $3.2 billion for 10 Cheongung-II missile systems was secured between Korea’s defense industry specialist, LIG Nex1, and the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Defense. Stakeholders anticipate that this agreement will bolster the credibility of K-defense, paving the way for further market expansion.

K-defense’s flagship weaponry, starting with the highly effective K9 self-propelled artillery, now extends beyond ground forces weaponry systems, including the K2 main battle tank and antiballistic missile, such as the Cheongung-II contracted with Saudi Arabia. This expansion showcases our technological advancements, further exemplified by the development of domestically built submarines and future 6th-generation fighter jet projects, garnering optimistic evaluations for the future.

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration recently declared its aspiration to nurture advanced strategic industries, aiming to achieve $20 billion in defense exports this year. By 2027, they aim to elevate Korea’s global market share to approximately 9% and ascend to one of the world’s top four defense powerhouses.

From 2018 to 2022, K-defense’s global market share stood at approximately 2.4%. However, fueled by exports to Poland and the Middle East, there are plans to increase this market share significantly.

High-ranking officials from Middle Eastern countries have shown proactive interest in Korea’s military weapon systems, with several visiting Korea in March to observe them. According to the defense industry, Saudi Deputy Minister of Defense Talal Abdullah Al-Otaibi embarked on a two-night, three-day K-defense tour in Korea starting on March 13th.

During his visit, Al-Otaibi analyzed K-weapons, starting with the Korean-made supersonic fighter jet KF-21, then inspecting the Cheongung-II and the Dosan Ahn Changho submarine, known as the core strength of Korea’s maritime-based tri-axis system. Following Saudi Arabia’s contract worth 4.25 trillion won for the Cheongung-II in 2023, interpretations suggest that they consider introducing additional Korean military weapon systems.

Furthermore, it is speculated that Al-Otaibi’s visit might entail additional discussions regarding the development of the 6th generation fighter jet(featured stealth capabilities and a hybrid manned-unmanned system), which was positively discussed during Defense Minister Shin Won Sik’s visit to Saudi Arabia in February.

Following the visit of Saudi officials, high-ranking Iraqi officials, led by Commander Samir Zaki Hussein Al-Maliki of the Iraqi Army Air Force, also visited Korea from March 4th to 7 for three nights and four days. It was reported that Commander Al-Maliki rode the domestically manufactured multipurpose helicopter ‘Surion’ by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) when traveling from the capital region to KAI’s headquarters in Sacheon, Gyeongnam.

Subsequently, the commander exhibited proactive engagement by closely observing and even personally boarding the medium-sized helicopter Heunsuri, a variant similar to the Surion, during his visit to Sacheon.

The Surion, garnering significant interest from Iraq to the extent of direct experience, marks Korea’s first domestically developed tactical helicopter. Since its inception in 2006, it has been initiated through collaboration between the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), KAI, and others. Deployed in practical army training around ten years ago in 2012, the Surion has been utilized in various capacities, not only as a mobile helicopter but also as a medical one.

The Heunsuri, which has piqued the interest of Iraqi Commander Al-Maliki, is a helicopter adapted and modified from the Surion model. It is specifically tailored for maritime police tasks such as combating naval terrorism, enforcing maritime law, and conducting search and rescue missions. This helicopter has gained significant acclaim for its suitability in these roles.

In 2013, Iraq requested 24 units of the domestically produced light attack aircraft FA-50, known as the T-50IQ, for export purposes. Korea accepted this request, leading to the signing of a substantial contract.

A defense industry official stated, “As the mid-2010s approached, despite active efforts to negotiate the export of Surion to countries such as Iraq, Indonesia, and Thailand, no contracts have yet been finalized. However, with Iraq showing notable interest and sending high-ranking military officials for inspection, we anticipate achieving our first export success.”

Foreign media outlets interpret that amidst frequent military conflicts in various parts of the Middle East, the superior combat performance, rapid supply capabilities, and world-class performance-to-price ratio of Korean weapons are gaining attention.

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