SEOUL — South Korea is expanding its position in the international arms market as defense companies secure overseas contracts for tanks, artillery systems, aircraft and other military equipment, officials and industry sources said on Sunday, June 21, 2026. The country’s defense industry has grown through exports to customers including Poland and the Philippines, while the government continues efforts to increase its share of the global arms trade.
South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and the Ministry of National Defense have promoted exports of systems such as the K2 Black Panther tank, K9 self-propelled howitzer and FA-50 light combat aircraft. In January, Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back said South Korea was seeking to become one of the world’s top four defense exporters by 2030 and that export support and military diplomacy were part of that effort.
A major driver of recent growth has been demand from European countries following increased security concerns after the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine. Poland has become one of South Korea’s largest defense customers, signing agreements with South Korean firms for K2 tanks, K9 howitzers, FA-50 aircraft and K239 Chunmoo rocket systems. The Polish government and South Korea’s defense authorities have announced multiple agreements as part of Warsaw’s military modernization program.
In 2025, Poland signed a second K2 tank purchase agreement with Hyundai Rotem for about 180 tanks and related support vehicles, according to South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense. The ministry said the agreement was the largest export contract secured by a South Korean defense company at that time.
South Korean companies have also expanded cooperation beyond Europe. Korea Aerospace Industries signed an agreement with the Philippines for FA-50 fighter jets, continuing a defense relationship that included earlier aircraft deliveries, according to Reuters. The government has said it wants to broaden export destinations and move into additional defense sectors, although officials have also acknowledged that South Korea remains behind leading arms exporters in overall market position.
Industry officials have pointed to faster production timelines, competitive pricing and offers of local production as factors supporting overseas sales. Defense companies including Hyundai Rotem, Hanwha Aerospace and Korea Aerospace Industries have sought partnerships that include manufacturing cooperation and technology sharing, where agreements allow. Details of some future export plans remain unclear.
On Sunday, South Korean defense officials continued to emphasize export development as part of the country’s industrial strategy. The Defense Ministry has said it will support overseas sales efforts while maintaining government oversight of defense exports.
