South Korean defense companies are making bold moves to expand their international footprint, with recent efforts targeting both North Africa and Southeast Asia. The latest focus is on Morocco and Malaysia, where ongoing military modernization projects have created new opportunities for Korean firms to showcase their advanced weaponry and strategic know-how. As global security dynamics shift and regional rivalries intensify, these companies are leveraging a track record of operational excellence, price competitiveness, and swift delivery to win contracts—and, perhaps, reshape the defense landscape far beyond their traditional markets.
According to industry sources on July 22, 2026, Morocco—a pivotal North African nation—is emerging as a promising export market for South Korea’s defense sector. Hanwha Ocean, one of South Korea’s leading shipbuilders, has proposed its 3,000-ton class Jangbogo-III (KSS-III) Batch-II submarine for Morocco’s first-ever submarine acquisition project. This move is part of the country’s broader push to modernize its naval power, as reported by Spanish media outlet La Razon. The competition is fierce: Germany and France are also considered strong contenders for the contract, but South Korea’s inclusion among these European heavyweights signals a growing reputation for innovation and reliability.
Morocco currently lacks any submarines in its fleet, but its ambitions are clear. The government is seeking to strengthen its maritime capabilities amid ongoing tensions in the Western Sahara and a longstanding military rivalry with neighboring Algeria. While the scale and timeline of the submarine project have yet to be finalized, the very fact that South Korean companies are being considered alongside established European defense giants marks a significant milestone for the so-called "K-defense" industry.
Hanwha Ocean’s renewed focus on overseas markets comes on the heels of a recent setback: the company lost out in the competition for Canada’s next-generation submarine (CPSP) project. Undeterred, Hanwha is now accelerating its efforts to break into new markets, viewing Morocco as a strategic entry point into North Africa. This shift represents a broader trend, as Korean defense firms seek to diversify their export base beyond Europe and the Middle East.
But submarines aren’t the only Korean products attracting Moroccan interest. Hyundai Rotem’s K2 main battle tanks, LIG Defense & Aerospace’s (LIG D&A) Cheongung-II medium-range surface-to-air missile system, and Korea Aerospace Industries’ (KAI) fighter jets are all reportedly under consideration as Morocco looks to upgrade its military across the board. In fact, there have been reports—based on data from the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms (UNROCA)—that Morocco has already imported LIG D&A’s portable surface-to-air missile system, the Shingung (KP-SAM). While LIG D&A has declined to confirm the specifics, stating only that the company is "actively marketing in Morocco and worldwide," the reports underscore the growing footprint of Korean weapon systems in the region.
The driving force behind Morocco’s interest in Korean defense technology is the urgent need to modernize its aging military. The country’s ongoing disputes in Western Sahara and its complex relationship with Algeria have prompted a comprehensive overhaul of its air, naval, and ground forces. Korean companies are positioning themselves as attractive partners by emphasizing their competitive pricing, rapid delivery schedules, and proven operational track records—qualities honed through successful exports to Poland, Romania, and several Middle Eastern nations.
Despite the flurry of activity, it’s important to note that none of the projects currently under discussion in Morocco have reached the stage of official contracts or preferred bidder status. The outcome will ultimately depend on Morocco’s defense procurement plans, budgetary constraints, and the comparative merits of competing proposals from European and other international firms. Still, industry experts believe that a successful submarine or strategic weapons deal could serve as a catalyst for a broader K-defense expansion into North Africa, potentially opening the door for further contracts and collaborations.
Meanwhile, thousands of kilometers to the east, South Korea is locked in a high-stakes competition for a massive air defense contract in Malaysia. The nearly 1 trillion KRW (about $770 million USD) project has drawn interest from three major players: South Korea, Turkey, and China. Leading South Korea’s bid is LIG D&A’s Cheongung-II (M-SAM2) interceptor missile, a system that has already proven its mettle in the Middle East and is now poised to enter the ASEAN market. Turkey’s Roketsan and China’s Norinco are also in the running, setting the stage for a fierce three-way contest for regional dominance.
Malaysia’s interest in the Cheongung-II system is closely tied to developments in neighboring Indonesia. According to Defense Security Asia, Indonesia’s Defense Logistics Agency has recently issued a Letter of Intent to LIG D&A for the purchase of two operational battalions of the Cheongung-II system. The package includes multifunction radar, vertical launchers, fire control centers, and launcher vehicles—essentially, everything needed for a fully integrated air defense solution. Indonesia’s decision is driven by practical concerns: its current mix of British, Swedish, and Russian air defense systems has led to maintenance headaches and integration challenges, making the Korean system an appealing alternative.
Indonesia’s potential status as the first ASEAN nation to acquire the Cheongung-II is not lost on Malaysian defense planners. Should Indonesia move forward with the purchase, Malaysia is expected to feel both direct and indirect pressure—militarily, politically, and industrially—to keep pace. Sensing the opportunity, LIG D&A has tailored its proposals to Malaysia’s specific needs, aiming to build on a foundation of existing cooperation. In April 2026, the company signed a $94 million export contract with Malaysia’s Ministry of Defense for the Haegung naval surface-to-air missile, which will be installed on coastal patrol vessels constructed by Turkey’s STM.
This isn’t the first time South Korea and Malaysia have worked together on defense projects. In 2023, Korea Aerospace Industries secured a contract to supply 18 FA-50 light attack aircraft to Malaysia, with the first deliveries scheduled for the second half of 2026. Such established relationships give South Korea a distinct advantage, as industry insiders believe Malaysia is more likely to opt for the proven Cheongung-II system rather than gamble on entirely new suppliers.
As global defense markets grow more competitive and complex, South Korean firms are demonstrating a knack for adaptability and strategic outreach. By targeting emerging markets like Morocco and Malaysia—and by leveraging their experience in Europe and the Middle East—they are not only expanding their own horizons but also contributing to a reshaping of the international defense landscape. The months ahead will reveal whether these efforts translate into concrete contracts, but one thing is certain: the world is watching as K-defense steps boldly onto new frontiers.
With each new bid and partnership, South Korea’s defense industry is carving out a place at the global table—proving that persistence, innovation, and a willingness to venture into uncharted territory can open doors in even the most competitive markets.