At the 2026 Singapore Airshow, the South Korean aerospace and defense industry made headlines on two fronts, underscoring the nation’s growing influence in the global military market. Embraer, the Brazilian aerospace giant, announced on February 4 that the first C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft configured for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) had completed its final assembly. Meanwhile, South Korean conglomerate Hanwha revealed it is one of two finalists in a major Canadian submarine procurement competition valued at over $12 billion, further cementing South Korea’s rising profile as both a buyer and supplier in the international defense sector.
According to Embraer, the C-390 Millennium destined for South Korea is now set to begin factory flights, during which it will be fitted with specific systems requested by the ROKAF. This milestone marks an important step following South Korea’s decision to select the C-390 as its new Large Transport Aircraft (LTA), a move that saw Embraer’s offering triumph over the Lockheed Martin C-130J and Airbus A400M in a closely watched competition. The initial order includes three aircraft, with an estimated total price tag of about $544 million, as confirmed by Embraer during the airshow.
The partnership between Embraer and South Korea goes beyond a simple purchase agreement. In a statement at the event, Bosco da Costa Junior, President of Embraer Defense & Security, highlighted the efficiency of the production process and the strength of the collaboration with South Korean industry. The deal includes substantial industrial cooperation, with South Korean aerospace companies set to manufacture key C-390 components. Additionally, the agreement outlines plans for a local maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) center in South Korea, which could evolve into a regional hub for C-390 support—potentially serving operators across Asia and beyond.
The C-390 Millennium itself is a standout in the tactical airlift market. As Embraer described at the airshow, it can carry loads up to 26 tons—outperforming some competitors—and is capable of a range of missions, from cargo and troop transport to medical evacuation and search-and-rescue, all with greater speed and range than many rivals. A multirole version is currently under study, which could allow the Millennium to serve as a platform for a variety of weapon systems, expanding its operational versatility even further.
Integration with NATO standards is another feather in the Millennium’s cap. Thanks to work carried out by the Portuguese Air Force, the C-390 can operate seamlessly in NATO environments and is certified for Agile Combat Employment (ACE) operations, a concept emphasizing flexible, rapid deployment and support. This adaptability has helped the C-390 gain traction worldwide, with air forces in Portugal, the Netherlands, Sweden, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, Lithuania, Brazil, South Korea, and Uzbekistan already selecting the aircraft. According to Embraer, negotiations are ongoing with potential buyers in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and South America—evidence of the Millennium’s growing global appeal.
South Korea’s embrace of the C-390 is part of a broader strategy to modernize its armed forces and deepen its participation in the global defense supply chain. By securing component production and establishing an MRO center, South Korea is not only acquiring next-generation airlift capability but also positioning itself as a key player in supporting and sustaining these high-tech platforms throughout the region. This approach reflects a wider trend among advanced militaries to seek not just hardware, but also industrial partnerships that build local expertise and long-term economic benefits.
On the other side of the defense equation, South Korea is also stepping up as a major supplier. On the same day as Embraer’s announcement, Hanwha—a leading South Korean defense and industrial conglomerate—disclosed during an earnings call that it is one of two finalists, alongside German shipbuilder TKMS, in a high-stakes competition to provide Canada with a new fleet of submarines. Industry sources estimate the contract’s value at over $12 billion, making it one of the largest naval procurement projects in recent Canadian history.
Hanwha’s proposal includes delivering four submarines to Canada by 2035, with the company emphasizing its ability to meet Canada’s demand for rapid delivery. During the earnings call, Hanwha executives underscored that “the rapidity of delivery is one of the factors Canada considers important,” signaling the company’s readiness to meet tight timelines and complex requirements. If successful, the deal would mark a significant breakthrough for South Korea’s defense industry, which has been steadily expanding its international footprint in recent years.
Canada’s search for a new submarine fleet has been closely watched by defense analysts and industry insiders alike. The country’s current submarines are aging, and replacing them is a strategic priority for Ottawa, especially given the increasing importance of Arctic operations and maritime security. Hanwha’s bid, if selected, would not only bring advanced South Korean submarine technology to North America but also likely involve substantial industrial cooperation, mirroring the approach seen in the Embraer-ROKAF partnership.
The twin announcements at the Singapore Airshow illustrate how South Korea is carving out a dual role in the global defense market: as a discerning buyer of cutting-edge technology and as a competitive supplier capable of delivering complex, high-value military systems. This evolution is driven by a mix of strategic necessity, economic ambition, and a desire to leverage defense partnerships for broader industrial development.
For Embraer, the South Korean deal is a validation of the C-390 Millennium’s capabilities and its appeal to modern air forces seeking flexibility, performance, and partnership. For Hanwha, the Canadian submarine competition represents a chance to showcase South Korean engineering on the world stage and potentially secure a transformative export contract.
As global defense budgets continue to rise and military modernization efforts accelerate, partnerships like those between Embraer and South Korea, and potentially between Hanwha and Canada, are likely to become more common. They offer not just new equipment, but also shared expertise, local economic benefits, and the promise of long-term collaboration in an increasingly interconnected security landscape.
South Korea’s dual role—as both a customer for next-generation military aircraft and a supplier of advanced naval platforms—highlights the nation’s growing confidence and capability in a field once dominated by a handful of traditional powers. With deals like these, South Korea is not just buying into the future of defense—it’s helping to build it.