S. Korea expanding defense partnerships with Middle East

K방산 수주잔액 110조 돌파, 중동 시장 진출 전략은? South Korea is eyeing to boost military partnerships with various countries. aiming to become the world’s fourth-largest defense exporter. From massive arms deals with Poland to the latest weapons sales to Saudi Arabia, Korea is continuing to expand its export horizons in the defense industry. In this edition of Within the Frame, we look into Korea’s burgeoning defense exports, its potential, and remaining challenges with a particular focus on the Middle Eastern markets. I’m Han Da-eun in Seoul and joining me tonight is Kim Jun-mo, a Professor at Konkuk University’s Department of Public Administration. We also have Moamen Gouda, Associate Professor of Middle East Economics at Hanguk University of Foreign Studies with us. (KIM) 1. The South Korean defense industry’s balance of orders exceeded 110 trillion won thanks to the increasing trend of defense budget worldwide. Could you first give us a snapshot of Korea’s defense exports? (GOUDA) 2. Several high-ranking officials from the Middle East visited Korea this month to check out Korea’s main military weapons systems. Of them included Saudi Assistant Defense Minister Talal bin Abdullah Al-Otaibi and Iraqi Defense Chief Thabet Mohammed Saeed Al-Abbasi. Why do you think the South Korean weapons systems are gaining wider recognition from the Middle East? (KIM) 3. The commander of Iraq’s Army Aviation Command Samir Zaki Hussein Al-Maliki, during his visit to Seoul, closely examined Korea’s homegrown Utility Helicopter Surion. Tell us more about Surion, and what are your prospects for its exports? (GOUDA) 4. Saudi Arabia is known as a major consumer in the global defense industry. Why is Saudi expanding its defense purchase? Is the growing threat from Iran-backed Houthi rebels also being considered? (KIM) 5. Give us an overview of the defense industry market in the Middle East, and the market’s potential for South Korean companies. (GOUDA) 6. What are some things Korean defense exporters must prioritize when tapping into the Middle Eastern market? What would be a smart strategy? (KIM) 7. South Korea continues to expand its defense export horizons amid rising geopolitical tensions. Korea inked a multi-billion-dollar arms deal with Poland last year, while also scoring big contracts with Saudi Arabia and several others. What are your prospects for Korea’s defense exports going forward? (GOUDA) 8. Japan is emerging as the dark horse in the global defense market. The country has recently eased arms export controls allowing weapons sales to the U.S., and is also eyeing to export military vessel equipment to India. As Middle Eastern countries look to diversify their import channels, what more needs to be done by Korean companies to stay ahead in the game? (KIM) 9. What are the remaining challenges in South Korea’s path toward its goal of becoming the world’s fourth-largest defense exporter? And that brings us to the end of this show. Thank you for watching, and be sure to tune in same time tomorrow to join our conversation. Good bye for now. #SouthKorea #MiddleEast #Military #Defense #Export #Defense_industry #Military_partnerships #대한민국 #중동 #방산 #방산_수출 #군사_협력 #Arirang_News #아리랑뉴스 📣 Facebook : 📣 Twitter : 📣 Homepage : 2024-03-25, 18:30 (KST)