Korea showcases weapons to foreign diplomats

The Korea Times

The Korea Times

National

Sun, October 1, 2023 | 12:15

Defense

Korea showcases weapons to foreign diplomats

Posted : 2023-05-10 16:58

Updated : 2023-05-11 09:27

Envoys from 18 countries attend a question and answer session with officials of Korea's foreign and defense ministries during an event promoting Korean weapons in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, in this May 2 photo released Wednesday. Courtesy of Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Envoys from 18 countries watch firing drills as exporters aim for global expansion

By Jung Min-ho

Ambassadors and other diplomats from 18 countries were invited to a special military event promoting Korean weapons last week as local government and arms exporters intensify efforts to expand their presence in the global market.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wednesday, envoys from the Czech Republic, Chile, Poland, Saudi Arabia and about a dozen other major arms markets for Korean companies were given an opportunity, May 2, to watch live-fire gunnery exercises with ministry officials and military officers.

The event, the first of its kind, was held in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province. Some of the Korean Army's most lethal hardware, including K2 tanks, K9 self-propelled howitzers, K21 infantry fighting vehicles and K600 minefield-breaching vehicles were mobilized, apparently impressing many in the audience.

After watching weapons strike targets, the guests had a question and answer session with military officers and representatives of arms makers, in which many showed interest in strengthening cooperation with Korea in the field of defense.

K2 tanks fire while moving during live-fire gunnery exercises at an event promoting Korean weapons in Pocheon, Gyeonggi Province, in this May 2 photo released Wednesday. Courtesy of Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Russia's war in Ukraine has increased geopolitical tensions across the globe, compelling many nations to build up their militaries, said Czech Ambassador to Korea Gustav Slamecka, who suggested Korea was a potential weapons supplier for his country.

In Eastern Europe, many countries, still armed largely with Soviet-era weapons, seek to replace them amid the dynamic geopolitical situation surrounding Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

A new Cold War climate, accelerated by the conflict, has created an opportunity for Korea's defense companies. Korea, which was ranked the ninth-largest arms exporter in the 2016 to 2020 period, now aims to become the fourth in the world market by 2027, after the United States, Russia and France.

In the latest arms exports news in February, Korea Aerospace Industries, the country's sole aircraft maker, signed a contract to export 18 FA-50 light attack aircraft to Malaysia.

This government push has become more visible over the past year. At Tuesday's meeting with the ambassadors of Central and South American countries in Seoul, Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup called for more exchanges and a stronger partnership in the defense field.

At a meeting with defense company chiefs last month, Lee also said he would support them in the effort to increase the country's total arms exports to $20 billion (26 trillion won) ― more than last year's record high of $17.3 billion.

With President Yoon Suk Yeol promoting the quality of Korean arms and defense know-how at every given chance, the endeavor has now become pan-government. After talks with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in Stockholm, Monday (local time), Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said the two parties agreed to reinforce ties in the defense industry among other areas.

At the arms display event, Second Vice Foreign Minister Lee Do-hoon said he would continue to promote such efforts in cooperation with other government departments and agencies.

mj6c2@koreatimes.co.kr