South Korea will allocate a significantly expanded budget to defense and aerospace research through 2030, aiming to become the world’s fourth-largest defense industry. President Lee Jae Myung made the announcement on Monday during the country’s largest-ever arms fair, the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition 2025.
The event showcased cutting-edge military technology, including unmanned systems and AI-enhanced weapons such as howitzers and suicide drones. South Korean firms are aggressively pursuing global defense contracts, positioning themselves as major players in the international arms market.
South Korea currently ranks 10th in global arms sales, according to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. President Lee expressed confidence in the country’s ambitions, calling the goal of reaching the top four “not an impossible dream.”
He emphasized the importance of technological sovereignty, pledging focused investment in critical components such as defense-grade semiconductors, materials, and systems that must be developed independently. Lee also extended an offer to international partners, promising not only access to South Korean weapons systems but also the underlying technology and industrial expertise that supports them.
Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, South Korea’s defense exports have surged, with multibillion-dollar deals signed for howitzers, missiles, warships, and ammunition. The country’s rapid growth in this sector reflects its strategic pivot toward becoming a global defense supplier.
Tags: South Korea defense industry 2030, Lee Jae Myung defense budget, Seoul ADEX 2025 arms fair, South Korea AI weapons, South Korea unmanned systems, South Korea global arms sales, SIPRI arms ranking South Korea, South Korea defense exports Ukraine war, South Korea military semiconductors, South Korea defense technology investment
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