Presidential Office to Push for Signing Korea-US Defense Mutual Procurement Agreement Within the Year...Expectations for Expanding K-Defense Exports

Security Office Holds 4th Defense Industry Export Strategy Evaluation Meeting
Diversifying Cooperation Methods Including Region-Specific Customized Strategies

The government has decided to pursue the conclusion of the Reciprocal Defense Procurement Agreement (RDP-A) with the United States this year to ease trade barriers in the defense sector.

On the 21st, the Presidential Office announced that at the 4th Defense Export Strategy Evaluation Meeting, chaired by In Seong-hwan, the 2nd Deputy Director of the National Security Office, held at the Yongsan Presidential Office, a K-Defense leap plan including this topic was discussed.

The Presidential Office expects that this will expand global defense exports by our companies.

Additionally, tailored strategies for major export regions will be established, and to build mutually beneficial mid- to long-term cooperative relationships, cooperation methods will be diversified to advance into a leading defense nation. To this end, strategic communication plans will be made not only with the United States but also with various countries such as Poland, Romania, the Baltic States, and Middle Eastern countries.

Furthermore, to enter the world's top four defense export powers and secure future growth engines, advanced defense strategic fields such as space, artificial intelligence (AI), and manned-unmanned combined systems will be intensively fostered, reorganizing the defense industry with a focus on exports.

In particular, the government plans to modernize support systems such as financial assistance to strengthen industrial capabilities, while establishing tailored strategies for major export regions and diversifying cooperation methods to build mutually beneficial mid- to long-term partnerships, thereby advancing into a leading defense nation.

Inseonghwan, the 2nd Deputy Director of the National Security Office, presided over the 4th Defense Export Strategy Evaluation Meeting at the Yongsan Presidential Office on the 21st. Photo by the Presidential Office

Defense companies shared various export issues and business plans for 2024, requesting government support in various areas such as expanding high-level bilateral meetings by country, strengthening export support by our military, expedited export approvals, and expanding policy financial support related to defense exports.

Deputy Director In emphasized, "Defense exports are part of strategic cooperation between countries based on a thorough understanding of the historical background and security environment of the counterpart country," adding, "Only through close cooperation among the government, companies, and the military can results be achieved."

He continued, "Now is the time to solidify the foundation of our defense industry and strengthen the competitiveness of our companies," urging, "Let us strive to ensure that K-Defense can contribute to revitalizing the national economy as a future growth industry."

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