Inside South Korea’s weapons factory eyeing potential Kyiv supplies: Video

These systems, part of South Korea’s arms production program, may soon find their way to Ukraine - a possibility that marks a suggestive shift in South Korea’s defense policy. 

Historically, South Korea has refrained from supplying weapons to active conflict zones due to its longstanding non-interventionist policy. However, recent reports from South Korea’s spy agency alleging that North Korea sent thousands of troops to aid Russia in its war with Ukraine have prompted Seoul to reconsider its stance.

Kyiv’s urgent need for air defense systems has grown amidst relentless missile attacks on its energy and civilian infrastructure. "Counteroffensives require stability in the rear," Han Kwon-hee of the Korea Association of Defence Industry told AFP, emphasising Ukraine’s dependence on robust air defense capabilities. 

Jung Sung-young, senior manager at Hanwha Aerospace, highlighted the country’s rigorous standards in weapons development and production. "As a divided nation, we have systematically established and implemented standards at the national level, from the development of these weapon systems to quality control," he said. 

"The quality, capability, and manufacturing supply chain of our products is sufficiently competitive compared to those of other countries," he added.

South Korea has already taken steps to position itself as a major player in the global arms industry. Aspiring to become the fourth-largest arms exporter globally—behind the United States, Russia, and France—it has seen significant advancements in its defense capabilities.

For instance, South Korea has supplied 155mm artillery shells to the United States under a “final user” agreement, which allows Washington to repurpose its munitions for Ukraine.