Administrator Seok Jong-geon of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) will visit three European countries next week: Norway, Romania, and Sweden. Attention is drawn to whether substantial cooperation will take place, as Norway and Romania have shown a long-standing interest in Korean weapons systems.
According to DAPA and others on the 21st, Administrator Seok will visit Norway, Romania, and Sweden from the 25th to the 31st to engage in export cooperation with high-level officials, including the Minister and Vice Minister of the Ministry of National Defense. He will also meet with officials from Hanwha Aerospace and LIG Nex1's local subsidiaries to check on export situations.
Administrator Seok will discuss the export of the K9 self-propelled howitzer and the multiple rocket launcher Chunmu in Norway. This meeting is reportedly a result of requests from the Norwegian side. Norway, which has already purchased the K9, has been reviewing the introduction of Chunmu since the past. Hanwha Aerospace has also been promoting the idea that Chunmu could enhance Norway's defense industry and defense capabilities.
High-level discussions in Romania are expected to mention the Redback armored vehicle and Hyundai Rotem's K2 tank. Romania has considered introducing the K2 tank, but it is reported that budget appropriation has been delayed. Discussions related to the Redback armored vehicle are at an early stage. In Sweden, the plan is to discuss ways to enhance bilateral defense cooperation from a long-term perspective, including technological cooperation related to ammunition.
Administrator Seok's visit to Europe is taking place amidst a promise to prioritize the European Union's 'Buy European' policy. On the 9th, the EU announced a policy to mobilize 800 billion euros (about 1.26 trillion won) to strengthen the defense capabilities of all 27 member countries. However, it is expected that domestic companies will not be significantly affected, as local production is included.
A DAPA official noted, 'There were discussions regarding the visit before the policy announcement,' adding, 'We plan to strengthen defense cooperation with Korea and support the exports of domestic defense firms.'