Yoon Visits Hanwha Aero and Hyundai Rotem: "Actively Supporting Expansion of Defense Export"

President Yoon: "Defense exports broaden not only the economy but also the security horizon"

President Yoon Suk-yeol is visiting Hyundai Rotem in Changwon, Gyeongnam, on the afternoon of the 24th, observing exhibition equipment including the K2 tank. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] President Yoon Suk-yeol visited major defense industry companies Hanwha Aerospace and Hyundai Rotem on the 24th to review various weapon system development plans.

According to the Presidential Office, President Yoon presided over the first overseas export strategy meeting at Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in Sacheon, Gyeongnam, in the morning, then moved to Changwon to visit Hanwha Aerospace and Hyundai Rotem respectively.

At Hanwha Aerospace, he inspected self-propelled artillery, armored vehicles, anti-aircraft weapons, and unmanned vehicles. In particular, President Yoon toured the assembly process of the multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) "Cheonmu," which has been confirmed for export to Poland, and encouraged the officials involved.

Regarding the "Redback" armored vehicle, which is preparing for full-scale export to Australia, he said, "I hope it achieves good results not only in Australia but also in the global market," according to the Presidential Office.

Next, during his visit to Hyundai Rotem, President Yoon inspected the K2 tank, K808 wheeled armored vehicle, and multipurpose unmanned vehicles, then received a briefing on the progress of the K2 tank export to Poland. Regarding this, President Yoon emphasized, "This is the result of united efforts by the government, military, and defense industry," and added, "The government will actively support future export expansion."

President Yoon Suk-yeol visited Hanwha Aerospace in Changwon, Gyeongnam on the 24th and talked about the achievements of K-defense exports.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

President Yoon also watched the mobility demonstration of various equipment including the K2 tank and toured the production plant, encouraging the workers by saying, "The workers who work hard on site are the main players leading our defense industry, so please take pride in your work."

Earlier, in his closing remarks at the defense export strategy meeting held at KAI, President Yoon emphasized, "Defense exports form the foundation of cooperation between countries," and added, "No matter how strong a country is, it cannot take sole responsibility for its security. Alliances and friendly countries are essential, and defense exports not only strengthen the defense cooperation system with allies but also grow the economy and broaden the horizon of security," according to a written briefing by Deputy Spokesperson Lee Jae-myung of the Presidential Office.

He also promised government support for small and medium-sized defense companies. President Yoon said, "The KF-21 supersonic fighter currently being developed by KAI requires 210,000 parts, and as with all industries, there is no field where coexistence between large and small companies is more important than in defense," adding, "Small and medium-sized enterprises forming the defense ecosystem must grow soundly for our national defense to become stronger. The government will also pay special attention to investment and financial support for parts localization."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.