South Korea is making strides to expand its arms exports to the Arab world, as evidenced by the recent visit of the nation's chief arms procurement official to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Egypt. DAPA Minister Seok Jong-gun’s trip last week, aimed to promote South Korean military technology at the major International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2025, marked another significant effort within the country’s ambition to bolster its presence in the global arms market.
Seok, leading the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), participated at IDEX, the largest defense exhibition held in the Middle East and North Africa, during his five-day visit from February 13 to 17. There, he engaged with top officials of the UAE, discussing avenues for South Korean defense firms to participate actively in the country’s arms procurement projects.
Highlighted during his meetings were key discussions with UAE’s Minister of State for Defense Affairs Mohammed bin Mubarak Al Mazrouei and Chief of Staff Issa Al Mazrouei. Reports indicate he explored collaborative ventures possible for South Korea’s defense industries, aiming to facilitate arms exports to the Gulf state.
“There is potential for Korean firms to engage and provide advanced defense technologies to the UAE,” Seok stated during his discussions, emphasizing the focus on increasing cooperation between the two nations' military sectors, which could lead to substantial defense technology partnerships.
Notably, Seok's trip also included significant dialogues with officials from Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Romania, and Estonia on the sidelines of the exhibition. A memorandum of understood collaboration was established with Saudi Arabia, introducing mutual government assurance on the quality of exported arms, pushing South Korea forward as it seeks to align its interests with those of its Arab partners.
Post-IDEX, the DAPA chief headed to Egypt to continue the promotion of South Korean military equipment, which included sophisticated artillery and combat aircraft, focusing on the K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer and the FA-50 fighter jet. Accompanied by representatives from Korea Aerospace Industries and Hanwha Aerospace, Seok’s delegation was aimed at supporting Egyptian aspirations to modernize its military capabilities.
“If the Egyptian Air Force decides to procure the FA-50s, we will provide comprehensive support to facilitate this acquisition,” Seok asserted, reaffirming South Korea’s commitment to delivering superior military technology and after-sales support.
This intent to nurture international partnerships reflects South Korea's broader strategic goal to secure at least a 5 percent market share of the global arms export scene by 2027, thereby aiming to solidify its position as the world's fourth-largest exporter of defense products.
South Korea’s growing arms industry is now regarded as one of the nation’s leading sectors, winning recognition from global markets, particularly as tensions rise around the Middle East. The focus on arms sales to countries like the UAE and Egypt showcases South Korea's developing capabilities to offer advanced military equipment, paving the way for long-term international defense alliances.
The country’s arms export endeavors are not isolated to the Middle East; they extend to various regions worldwide, with South Korean companies marketing their technologies beyond traditional boundaries, demonstrating increased competitiveness.
Seok’s recent engagements signify the South Korean government’s continued efforts to establish its defense technologies on foreign soil and navigate complex geopolitical landscapes. Yet, as market dynamics shift, the ability to maintain quality assurance and technological superiority will be pivotal to their success.
Long seen as geared primarily toward domestic needs, South Korea's arms production is rapidly taking on new international dimensions, transforming the nation’s stance from cautious exporter to aspiring global player.
While fostering relations through direct discussions about arms procurement, Seok's initiatives during his UAE and Egypt visits express South Korea’s aspirations to boost its profile as a reliable defense partner, evidenced by these high-stakes meetings and strategic memorandums signed.
By continually aligning its technological advancements with the defense goals of nations like the UAE and Egypt, South Korea is set on a path to reshape its role on the world stage within the global arms trade.