South Korea is up in arms – and that’s a good thing for European defences  - Monocle

South Korea's Rising Defence Sector

For the average European, South Korea is better known for its entertainment and technology industries than for its defence sector.

However, this perception is about to change as Seoul's government aims to expand its defence industry, with a focus on exporting tanks and howitzers to Europe.

Behind its sheen of cultural soft power, South Korea has quietly built a hard-power industry that wants to stock European arsenals.

A notable example is the 2022 weapons deal with Poland, which included a multiyear, multibillion-euro programme for K2 tanks, K9 howitzers, and FA-50 jets.

Between 2020 and 2024, Seoul rose into the top 10 of global arms exporters, solidifying its position as a major player in the defence industry.

Author's summary: South Korea expands defence sector to Europe.

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Monocle Monocle — 2025-10-29

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