Defense Product Exports Soar This Year

Korean Information Service, Korea's exports of defense products have quadrupled this year compared to 2006, boosted by sales of its brand-new basic trainer jet and battle tank, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said Monday (Oct. 29). 
 
In a report to a parliamentary audit of the Defense Ministry, the agency said the country's defense exports totaled $1.9 billion as of September, a 430-percent increase from $260 million last year. 
 
The increase is attributable to contracts with Turkey on the sales of KT-1 Woongbi trainer jets and XK-2 tanks, as well as deals with the Philippines on K-3 rifles, ammunition and military vehicles. 
 
“It is a feat of the Korean defense industry which has constantly made efforts on research and development to achieve self-reliant national defense,” said Rep. Lee Sang-deuk of the main opposition Grand National Party.