FA-50GF (Image courtesy of KAI)
SEOUL, Sept. 18 (Korea Bizwire) – With the South Korean government pushing to strengthen its defense industry competitiveness and become one of the world’s top four arms exporters, the country’s flagship weapons systems are undergoing significant upgrades to expand their presence in the global market.
At the International Defense Industry Exhibition (MSPO) held in Poland earlier this month, a model of the FA-50 multi-purpose fighter jet, manufactured by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), drew attention with some unfamiliar features.
The Polish variant of the FA-50 was equipped with a probe-type air-to-air refueling system and external fuel tanks with a capacity of 300 gallons (1,135 liters) — modifications not found on the domestic FA-50.
The Polish variant of the FA-50 was equipped with a probe-type air-to-air refueling system and external fuel tanks with a capacity of 300 gallons (1,135 liters) — modifications not found on the domestic FA-50. (Image courtesy of KRIT)
These upgrades are crucial for countries with broader operational needs than South Korea, where the FA-50 was initially designed for the relatively limited airspace of the Korean Peninsula.
The government-supported modifications have already yielded results, with KAI securing a $3 billion contract with Poland for 48 FA-50s in 2022 and a $920 million deal with Malaysia for 18 aircraft in February 2023.
The K-9 self-propelled howitzer, a cornerstone of South Korea’s artillery, has been upgraded with an integrated air conditioning and power supply unit to operate in high-temperature environments, targeting markets in the Middle East and Asia. (Image courtesy of KRIT)
Ground-based weapons are also receiving attention. The K-9 self-propelled howitzer, a cornerstone of South Korea’s artillery, has been upgraded with an integrated air conditioning and power supply unit to operate in high-temperature environments, targeting markets in the Middle East and Asia.
The ammunition loading system has also been improved to accommodate the NUB rounds used in these regions.
The K-2 main battle tank, another flagship product, has undergone 13 different modification projects. (Image courtesy of KRIT)
The K-2 main battle tank, another flagship product, has undergone 13 different modification projects. These include upgrades to the auto-loading system for high-temperature operability and the replacement of manual wipers with electric ones on the driver’s hatch for improved convenience.
These enhancements are the result of the government’s “Weapon System Modification Development Support Program,” initiated in 2014.
According to the Korea Research Institute for Defense Technology Planning and Advancement, the program has invested 207.5 billion won in 123 projects to date.
This has led to direct returns of 353.2 billion won and an estimated indirect benefit of 28.87 trillion won through system exports.
While the defense industry acknowledges the significant contribution of these government initiatives to export competitiveness, there are calls for more systematic and efficient policy implementation.
“We hope for more flexible support to be provided based on rapid market analysis so that K-defense can go beyond maintaining its position in the global market and compete with leading defense industry nations,” said an industry insider, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the topic.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
