Seoul’s Military Muscle: Polish President Hails ‘Excellent’ Korean Submarines, K2 Tank-Drone Combo Steals the Show
South Korea’s Defense Industry on the Rise: A Report from Poland’s MSPO 2024
Poland’s Defense Industry Exhibition, One of the ‘Big Three in Europe’
South Korea’s defense industry is gaining significant attention globally, with its innovative technology and rapid delivery capabilities making it an attractive option for European countries. The ’32nd International Defense Industry Exhibition (MSPO) 2024’ in Kielce, Poland, showcased the latest advancements in Korean defense technology, with many European countries expressing interest in Korean weapons.
Advantages of Korean Defense Technology
Korean defense companies are expected to grow even faster in the European market in the future, thanks to their price competitiveness, excellent performance, and quick manufacturing and delivery capabilities. The latest submarines, drone-shooting equipment, and tanks are receiving significant attention, with many European countries evaluating the technological prowess of Korean weapons.
Submarines: A Game Changer in Modern Warfare
The latest submarine, Jangbogo-Ⅲ (KSS-Ⅲ), independently designed by Hanwha Ocean, uses lithium-ion batteries, allowing for long-term deployment. Polish President Andrzej Duda expressed particular interest in the submarine’s powerful armament and long-term submergence capability, saying, “The functions of the Korean submarine are very excellent.”
Drone-Shooting Equipment: A Key to Modern Warfare
Drone-shooting equipment, such as Shinwoo Technology’s Jammer, is also attracting attention. Leon Becker, a partner at Becker & Co., a Ukrainian defense company, said, “Drones are the biggest threat in modern warfare, and the Jammer, which effectively shoots them down, seems to have applied innovative technology.”
Collaboration and Research Opportunities
Not only overseas buyers but also researchers are actively seeking technological cooperation with Korean defense companies. Pawel Sulic of the Polish branch of defense company Pechau said, “Korea has excellent communication technologies such as 5G, so we are keeping an eye on communication equipment,” and added, “We would like to discover opportunities for collaboration.”
Government Support for the Defense Industry
The government is setting a goal of becoming one of the world’s top 4 defense exporters by 2027. To achieve this, there are indications that the infrastructure that helps in winning orders, such as nurturing young defense technology personnel and hosting global exhibitions, should be strengthened. Choi Byeong-ro, Vice Chairman of the Korea Defense Industry Promotion Association, advised, “Since weapons buyers are mainly governments, if the government, not the private sector, takes the lead in developing exhibitions, more overseas buyers will come.”