[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] Will the Yoon Government Decide on Ukraine Weapon Support?

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The government is reportedly keeping the possibility open and reviewing support for weapons to Ukraine. This is interpreted as prioritizing South Korea's position in the international community and the future reconstruction of Ukraine over diplomatic relations with Russia.

On the 9th, a government official said, "It is true that the tide has changed regarding support for Ukraine since the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, and various measures are being discussed."

During the Moon Jae-in administration, the internal stance was to maintain that weapon support was virtually impossible. Due to concerns about possible Russian retaliation, it was judged difficult to provide weapon support beyond humanitarian aid to Ukraine, and so far, about 3 billion won worth of non-lethal military supplies and $40 million (approximately 50 billion won) in first aid kits have been provided.

However, with President Yoon Suk-yeol likely to attend the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit held in Madrid, Spain, on the 29th and 30th, and the government setting a policy to actively participate in Ukraine's post-war reconstruction, it is reported that opinions within the government suggest that a decision to provide weapons support is inevitable.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also presented specific proposals related to Ukraine's reconstruction projects to Lee Jun-seok, leader of the People Power Party, who visited Ukraine. In response, Lee said, "I will convey well to President Yoon Suk-yeol the plans for exchange, support, and cooperation," according to a written briefing by Chief Spokesperson Heo Eun-ah.

South Korea's indirect weapons support to Ukraine has been actively discussed since last month. Shin Beom-chul, Deputy Minister of National Defense, attended the 'Ukraine Defense Contact Group' meeting via video conference last month to discuss support measures for Ukraine. At this meeting, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reportedly proposed ways for countries to provide indirect support. Deputy Minister Shin stated that considering South Korea's responsibilities and roles in the international community, additional measures for contribution would be reviewed.

If the government indirectly supports weapons to Ukraine, direct export of weapons to supporting countries is also being considered. It is reported that the government is reviewing a recent request from Canada to export 100,000 rounds of 155mm artillery shells. Canada is reportedly importing shells for support to Ukraine, so if the government approves the export, it would mean indirect weapons support to Ukraine.

Norway is known to have supported Ukraine with 22 existing self-propelled howitzers that were replacement units when importing K-9 self-propelled howitzers from South Korea. The weapons provided by the Norwegian military to Ukraine include 22 M109 howitzers, related equipment, replacement and repair parts, and ammunition. The M109, based on the pre-upgraded model with a range of 18 km, is a long-range artillery produced in the United States since 1962 and widely distributed among Western countries.

The K-9 is evaluated as a premium self-propelled howitzer with excellent firepower, mobility, and survivability, capable of firing 6 to 8 shells per minute. Not only Norway, which introduced 24 units in 2019, but also Turkey, Australia, and Egypt operate K-9 self-propelled howitzers.