THE KOREA HERALD – Minister of South Korea’s Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) Seok Jong-gun will visit several European countries starting next week to promote South Korean defence exports amid rising demand for armament in the region.
According to the arms procurement agency, Seok will travel to Norway, Romania and Sweden from Tuesday through March 31.
In Norway, which has already imported K9 self-propelled howitzers from Hanwha Aerospace, Seok will hold high-level talks to discuss potential additional exports of the K9, as well as Cheonmu, a multiple rocket launcher system also produced by Hanwha Aerospace.
In Romania, discussions will centre on securing deals for the Redback infantry fighting vehicle from Hanwha Defence and the K2 main battle tank from another South Korean defence manufacturer, Hyundai Rotem.
In Sweden, the focus will be on strengthening bilateral defence cooperation over the long term, particularly in areas of collaboration. Earlier on Tuesday, the European Commission unveiled a white paper for the “ReArm Europe Plan – Readiness 2030” an ambitious defence package aimed at mobilising EUR800 billion (USD 866.8 billion) by 2030 to reinforce military readiness across member states.
The scheme has signalled a preference for European-made products, yet South Korea sees potential as rising defence budgets across Europe could open the door to increased exports, given the competitive pricing and swift delivery of its defence systems.
“This trip was scheduled prior to the announcement of the EU’s (European Union) rearmament plan,” an official from DAPA said.
“Through high-level meetings, we aim to strengthen defence ties with European countries and support the export of South Korean weapons systems.”
South Korea’s Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yul visited Poland to support a K-2 export deal with the DAPA delegation.
