President Moon: "The Goal of Strong Defense is Peace... Defense Industry as a Core National Growth Engine" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in stated, "The goal of a strong defense capability is peace," and added, "We will unite and cooperate with the world."

On the morning of the 20th, at Seoul Airport in Gyeonggi Province, during the commemorative speech at the 'Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Industry Exhibition (Seoul ADEX 2021),' President Moon said, "We will develop the defense industry into a core national growth engine that surpasses defense."

President Moon emphasized, "The global defense market is undergoing significant changes alongside 4th Industrial Revolution technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, and robots," and stated, "It is time for the defense industry to move from being a 'fast follower' to a 'future leader.'"

He also mentioned the government's support for fostering the defense industry. President Moon said, "By 2026, we will expand the domestic expenditure ratio of defense capability improvement costs to over 80%, and increase support for parts localization by more than four times compared to now," adding, "We will proactively invest in developing world-class 'game changer' technologies that can change the nature of future warfare."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

In this process, he also emphasized the necessity of global cooperation. President Moon stated, "To pioneer cutting-edge defense and aerospace fields, international cooperation that goes beyond the technology and markets of any single country is important," and added, "As a country that has experienced the challenges of acquiring technology firsthand, Korea promises active technological cooperation beyond simple exports, including joint production and technology transfer."

President Moon said, "Korea aims to be a smart strong military based on advanced science and technology and will create peace together with the world," and added, "We will unite and cooperate with the world for a safe life and sustainable prosperity."

On the same day, President Moon became the first South Korean president to board a domestically produced fighter jet, flying over the Cheonan Independence Hall, Seoul National Cemetery, and Yongsan War Memorial before arriving at the event venue. President Moon said, "I was able to directly experience the proud presence of the FA-50 developed with our technology," and stated, "The FA-50 is being exported worldwide and firmly protects our airspace."