Korea Overseas Information Service, South Korea launched a streamlined military procurement agency on Jan. 1 to enhance efficiency and transparency in its arms introduction projects.
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration consolidates eight organizations related to procurement and technology development that were dispersed in the country's Defense Ministry, Army, Navy, and Air Force, officials said.
The new agency, operated under the control of the defense minister, employs 807 public servants, and its annual budget reaches 10 trillion won ($ 9.8 billion).
Its first major job will be the selection of a contractor to supply four early warning aircraft, a 2-trillion-won business “code-named E-X Project.” The decision is expected to come around May.
The foundation of the agency is a key part of government efforts to reform the nation's scandal-ridden arms procurement programs. South Korea buys most of its military weapons from the U.S.
Last year, the ministry announced a 15-year reform plan that calls for slashing its troop size to 500,000 from the current 680,000, streamlining combat organizations and introducing advanced weapons.
The measures are aimed at boosting the nation's war capability while reducing its dependence on the U.S. military. About 32,000 U.S. troops are stationed in South Korea.
In his New Year's message, Defense Minister Yoon Kwang-ung said Sunday (Jan. 1) that his ministry would start full-scale works to upgrade military facilities and systems in the coming year.
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