Foreign envoys get firsthand look at Korea's weapons systems

Diplomats from 15 countries, along with Second Vice Foreign Minister Kang In-sun, eighth from left, pose in front of K-2 tanks and other military equipment displayed at Hyundai Rotem's manufacturing plant in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, Wednesday. Courtesy of Hyundai Rotem

CHANGWON, South Gyeongsang Province — The thunderous roar of a K9 howitzer echoed through a testing site at Hanwha Aerospace’s manufacturing plant on Wednesday as foreign diplomats watched closely, getting a firsthand look at one of Korea’s domestically developed weapons.

Fifteen diplomats, including ambassadors, charges d’affaires and military attaches, toured the defense production facility in Changwon as part of a visit organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration.

The two-day visit to the nation's major arms production facilities showcased the K9 Thunder howitzer, the K2 Black Panther tank and the FA-50 fighter jet, highlighting Korea’s expanding presence in the global arms market. Korea has become a key arms supplier, known for its rapid production and delivery, as the prolonged war in Ukraine reshapes global defense strategies.

Participating embassies included nations that have already purchased Korean weapons as well as potential buyers.

During the tour, some envoys had the opportunity to test-ride the K9 howitzer, which can reach speeds of up to 68 kilometers per hour. They described the experience as impressive and showed keen interest in its system.

One of Korea's most in-demand weapons, the K9 self-propelled howitzer can carry up to 48 rounds and fire six per minute. Renowned for its battlefield versatility and firepower, the system has been exported to Australia, Egypt, Estonia, Finland, India, Norway, Poland, Romania and Turkey. Vietnam is reportedly in talks to acquire around 20 K9 howitzers, which would make it the 10th country to procure the system.

Diplomats also toured the plant’s assembly lines, where K9 howitzers bound for Poland and Egypt were in production.

“A total of 3,000 components are assembled through seven stages here. It takes only 100 days from the welding process to final testing. We can deliver products at high speed,” a Hanwha official said as she guided the delegation.

The envoys also visited Hyundai Rotem’s K2 tank manufacturing plant in Changwon.

A Hyundai Rotem official told The Korea Times that the tank, originally built with a German-designed power pack, is now equipped with a locally developed version — a change that could help production for global markets.

Korea is set to sign a second deal with Poland to sell 180 K2 tanks in a contract worth 9 trillion won ($6.13 billion). This follows an initial deal signed with Warsaw in July 2022, valued at 17 trillion won, marking Korea's largest-ever arms contract with a single country, encompassing exports of K239 Chunmoo missile launchers, K2 tanks, K9 howitzers and FA-50 light combat aircraft.

"Poland has already been successfully operating K2 tanks, K9 howitzers and FA-50 fighter jets," said Artur Gradziuk, charge d'affaires at the Polish Embassy in Korea.

He added that bilateral defense cooperation is evolving in a mutually beneficial manner, including discussions on local production of K2 tanks in Poland.

Sami M. Alsadhan, Saudi Arabian ambassador to Korea, poses in a FA-50 fighter jet displayed at the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) manufacturing plant in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, Thursday. Courtesy of KAI

On Thursday, the diplomats visited Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in Sacheon, South Gyeongsang Province, to see the production lines of the FA-50 light attack aircraft, the KUH Surion helicopters and Korea-developed light attack helicopters.

The FA-50 supersonic light attack aircraft, derived from the T-50 jet trainer, has been drawing interest from foreign buyers for its versatility and cost-effectiveness. Egypt is reportedly nearing a deal to purchase up to 100 aircraft following negotiations for an initial order of 36.

An official at KAI said the company aims to expand sales to Middle Eastern and African countries, showing interest in helicopters in addition to its ongoing partnerships.

"It was a meaningful opportunity for me to see the production site of Korea's defense systems," said Sami M. Alsadhan, the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Korea, expressing his anticipation for continued defense cooperation between Korea and Saudi Arabia.

Second Vice Foreign Minister Kang In-sun and foreign envoys tour Hanhwa Aerospace's manufacturing plant in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, Wednesday. Courtesy of Hanhwa Aerospace

Second Vice Foreign Minister Kang In-sun, who hosted the event, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting defense exports.

“This visit provided an excellent opportunity for the diplomatic corps in Korea to see firsthand the outstanding production capabilities of our defense industry. The government is doing its best diplomatic efforts to enhance defense cooperation with various nations," Kang said.