At the National Armed Forces Day ceremony on Oct. 1, a significant lineup of South Korea’s leading defense exports, known as ‘K-Defense,’ was showcased.
Among them was Hanwha Aerospace’s K-9 self-propelled howitzer, a bestseller used in 10 countries globally, including Romania, which signed a new export contract in July. The K-9 currently holds around a 60% share of the global self-propelled artillery market, with total exports exceeding 13 trillion won ($9.8 billion). The recent success in developing a domestic engine has further improved both the performance and cost-effectiveness of the K-9.
The K-2 tank, produced by Hyundai Rotem, also made an appearance. This tank, known for its firepower, is capable of neutralizing most of North Korea’s tanks. It has been exported to Poland. Other military vehicles, such as the K-10 ammunition resupply vehicle and the wheeled armored vehicle ‘Baekho,’ which is being exported to Peru, were also featured.
Korea’s mid-range, medium-altitude surface-to-air interceptor system, the ‘Cheongung-II,’ often referred to as the Korean version of ‘Patriot,’ was another highlight of the event. Last month, the system secured a major $2.8 billion export contract with Iraq, adding to its presence in three major Middle Eastern countries, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Other military equipment on display included the ‘Hyeon-gung’ anti-tank guided missile, the ‘Chun-moo’ multiple launch rocket system, and fighter jets like the KF-21 and FA-50. The ‘Surion’ helicopter, currently under consideration for export, also participated in the event.
