Korea’s Defence Industry Sustains Global Export Momentum amid Rising European and Indo-Pacific Demand

South Korea’s defence industry has entered a phase of structural expansion, positioning itself as a global supplier in a security environment increasingly defined by long-term rearmament and regional deterrence. Between 2020 and 2024, the country rose to tenth place among global arms exporters, according to SIPRI data, and the trend shows no sign of slowing through 2025. The continued war in Ukraine, intensifying maritime competition in the Indo-Pacific, and the widening scope of NATO’s procurement programs have generated sustained demand for modern weapons systems. Korean producers, combining technological reliability with price competitiveness, have become preferred partners for nations seeking immediate delivery and interoperability without the political restrictions that constrain other suppliers. Hanwha Aerospace, LIG Nex1, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Hanwha Systems and Hyundai Rotem now form an integrated export complex at the centre of this transformation.