Strengthened by recent export successes in Poland, where it signed multi-billion contracts to supply K2 tanks, K9 self-propelled howitzers and FA-50 lightweight fighter aircraft, the South Korean government has set a goal to achieve $20 billion of arms export deals this year. (Wikipedia photo)
SEOUL — South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup pledged Monday to work together with local defense firms to achieve US$20 billion in the country’s arms exports this year, reiterating Seoul’s commitment to helping cement their footholds overseas.
Lee made the remarks during a meeting with heads of defense firms and officials from his ministry and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, as Seoul sets sights on exceeding last year’s record high arms exports of $17.3 billion.
“The defense ministry will make efforts to work together with all of you here to become a ‘dream team’ beyond just being one united team to achieve arms exports of $20 billion this year,” Lee said.
The minister reiterated the Yoon Suk Yeol administration’s mantra of “peace through strength.” “I believe that beyond the Republic of Korea, the K-defense industry will contribute to promoting world peace through strength,” he said.