S. Korea to pursue stronger defense cooperation, export growth to nurture K-defense industry

윤통 “방위산업 성장 적극지원, 우방국들과 방산 안보 협력체계를 구축해 나갈 것“ President Yoon Suk Yeol has pledged to make South Korea’s defense industry a global leader in cutting-edge aerospace technology, as he attended the opening event of the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition. This includes stronger cooperation with other countries. Our Oh Soo-young explains. South Korea will strengthen its defense networks around the world, as it grows as a leading exporter of cutting-edge military and aerospace technology. That’s according to President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday, speaking at the opening ceremony of the 14th Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition. Yoon said South Korea has transformed from an aid-dependent nation to a leading defense exporter, with ADEX 2023 showcasing the homegrown KF-21 fighter jet, the M-SAM air defense system, as well as tanks, rocket launchers, and other major export items. Describing the defense industry as a “national strategic sector“ for both security and economy, the President vowed to foster a strong industrial ecosystem particularly in artificial intelligence and digital technology, which are crucial for victory on future battlefields. By newly establishing a Korea Aerospace Administration,. he said the government would bring together the public and private sectors to help domestic players lead the new space era, with the goal of becoming one of the world’s top five space tech powers. He noted that his National Security Council established a body to promote defense exports earlier this year, and aims to build up a cooperative system globally, sharing South Korea’s evolution in the industry with friendly nations. This year’s ADEX features 67 aircraft and 39 pieces of ground equipment based on Korean technology and weapons systems,. along with equipment from the U.S. military, including the F-22 and FA-18G aircraft. Falling upon the 70th anniversary of the Republic of Korea-U.S. alliance this month,. the President said the participation of the American military at this year’s exhibition proves the overwhelming capacity of the bilateral alliance. South Korea last year hit a record in defense exports --some 17-point-3 billion U.S. dollars, more than doubling the figure from 2021. The government has since designated the sector as one of the country’s twelve core export engines, with the aim of ranking among the world’s top four defense exporters by 2027. Oh Soo-young, Arirang News. #Seoul_ADEX_2023 #K_Defense #Cooperation #Defense_industry #서울_ADEX_2023 #안보 #방산 #안보_협력 #Arirang_News #아리랑뉴스 📣 Facebook : 📣 Twitter : 📣 Homepage : 2023-10-17, 18:00 (KST)