K9A1 Self-propelled Howitzers (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Sept. 19 (Korea Bizwire) – In a significant shift that could reshape geopolitical dynamics in Southeast Asia, South Korea is on the brink of its first-ever arms sale to a communist nation.
Industry insiders and government sources revealed on September 18 that negotiations to export the K9 self-propelled howitzer to Vietnam are progressing positively.
While specifics such as quantity and contract value remain subject to ongoing talks, there’s optimism within the industry that an agreement could be finalized as early as the first half of next year.
This potential deal carries substantial implications for international security and geopolitics, according to experts.
Vietnam, a country that once faced off against South Korean troops during the Vietnam War, maintains a single-party communist system despite adopting capitalist economic policies.
Its military, structured similarly to those of North Korea and Cuba, primarily relies on weaponry inherited from China and the former Soviet Union.
Historically, South Korea has exercised caution in arms exports, implicitly avoiding sales to certain nations, particularly communist regimes.
This April, South Korean Vice Defense Minister Kim Seon-ho visited Vietnam to discuss the potential K9 export with his counterpart and the commander of Vietnam’s artillery forces. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
The Southeast Asian market for South Korean defense products has primarily included Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Thailand – collectively known as the Southeast Asian Belt in Korean defense circles.
The potential sale to Vietnam would mark a departure from this unwritten policy. A high-ranking official with military and defense industry experience explained, “We supply weapons to uphold the values of liberal democracy and world peace. Supplying to the opposite camp is not something we desire.”
This shift in policy is seen as a response to changing geopolitical landscapes. Despite historical ties with China, Vietnam has been increasingly wary of its northern neighbor, particularly due to territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
Analysts suggest that Vietnam’s interest in South Korean weapons systems, which are compatible with NATO standards, could signal a move away from Chinese influence.
The Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post noted, “Vietnam’s interest in purchasing Korean self-propelled artillery could be concerning for China, as it might indicate Vietnam’s intention to counter China by leveraging capabilities from U.S. allies.”
Vietnam’s ground forces are reportedly in dire need of modernization, with some equipment dating back to the Vietnam War era.
The country’s interest in South Korean weaponry became apparent during Vietnamese Defense Minister Phan Van Giang’s visit to South Korea in February 2023, where he toured key military facilities and received briefings on equipment like the K9 howitzer.
This April, South Korean Vice Defense Minister Kim Seon-ho visited Vietnam to discuss the potential K9 export with his counterpart and the commander of Vietnam’s artillery forces.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
