Capability
South Korea’s Emergent Role in Global Defense Scaling
What capability problem does South Korea’s Emergent Role in Global Defense Scaling address for European deterrence, readiness and strategic autonomy?
South Korea has rapidly transformed from a defense importer into a formidable arms manufacturing and export powerhouse.
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Platform publication · DFM Analysis report · 2026-06-13
South Korea has rapidly transformed from a defense importer into a formidable arms manufacturing and export powerhouse, positioning itself as a crucial global supplier in an age of rearmament. This shift is strikingly evident in Seoul’s recent multi-billion dollar arms deals, which in 2022 alone topped a record $17 billion – more than double the previous year. Once largely reliant on U.S. imports, South Korea now ranks among the top ten arms exporters and is ambitiously aiming to become the fourth-largest by 2027.
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South Korea’s Emergent Role in Global Defense Scaling
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What is South Korea’s Emergent Role in Global Defense Scaling?
South Korea has rapidly transformed from a defense importer into a formidable arms manufacturing and export powerhouse, positioning itself as a crucial global supplier in an age of rearmament.
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