Romanian Military Senior Officials Visit Korea
Today Tour Hyundai Rotem and Hanwha Aerospace
Romanian President to Visit Korea Next Month
[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] Attention is focused on whether K-defense, which set a record for the highest exports last year, will continue its export success this year. Following visits by Romanian military officials to inspect Korean weapons, and with the Romanian president scheduled to visit Korea next month, it is anticipated that if exports of the K2 tank and K9 self-propelled howitzer are finalized, the record for the largest defense export amount will be broken again.
According to the government on the 31st, high-ranking Romanian military officials including Theodor Inchicash, Director General of the Armaments Directorate (Lieutenant General), and Vichi Mocanu, Deputy Director of the Military Resources Office (Brigadier General), will visit Hyundai Rotem and Hanwha Aerospace on this day.
The Romanian military officials plan to tour Hyundai Rotem’s production facilities for the K2 tank and wheeled armored vehicles, and in the afternoon, visit Hanwha Aerospace to test ride the K9 self-propelled howitzer and Redback armored vehicle.
Romania is focusing on ground weapons after donating about 60 of its 'T-72' tanks to Ukraine. As a frontline NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) country along with Poland, the replacement of outdated armored forces is urgent.
Romania Urgently Reinforces Forces After Donating Tanks to Ukraine
Romania is paying attention to Poland’s adoption of Korean-made weapons. Korean weapons are compatible with NATO systems and are also affordable. Another advantage is the possibility of rapid importation. Following visits last month by Romanian Defense Minister Angel Tilvar and Prime Minister Nicolae Ionel Ciuc?, Romanian President Klaus Iohannis is scheduled to visit Korea next month, underscoring the urgency.
Some expect Romania to increase its defense budget to over 3% of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) in response to the Ukraine war, potentially emerging as a major export market for Korea. This year, the weapons procurement budget is $2.8 billion (about 3 trillion KRW), which is 40% of the defense budget. There is also speculation that if Romania pursues a NATO-compatible ammunition production facility, it could partner with Hanwha and Poongsan.
If Romania’s K-defense exports are realized, this year could again set a record for the highest defense exports. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy has set this year’s defense export target at over $17 billion (about 21 trillion KRW), aiming to surpass last year’s record high of $17 billion.
Record High Export Amount Expected if Exports to Norway, UK Proceed
The defense industry views this as quite feasible. Norway is conducting a new main battle tank (MBT) project to replace the Leopard 2A4 tanks introduced in 2001 and is eyeing the domestically produced K2 tank. Norway plans to procure a total of 72 tanks by 2025, estimated at up to $2 billion.
The UK is also undertaking a new Mobile Fire Platform (MFP) project worth about 1 trillion KRW to replace 116 AS90 self-propelled howitzers. As the British Army demands turret automation, the K9, which will apply turret automation including an automatic loading system in its A2 version, is considered to have secured a more advantageous position. If the K9 export to the UK is successful, it would mean that Korean weapons have penetrated from Eastern Europe’s Poland to Western Europe’s key powers.
Saudi Arabia is paying close attention to the Cheongung-II surface-to-air missile. Saudi Arabia faces attacks using ballistic missiles and drones from the Yemeni Houthi rebels, creating high demand for interceptor missiles.
Domestic aircraft are also expected to expand their export reach. The light attack aircraft FA-50 has challenged Malaysia and Slovakia. The domestically produced supersonic fighter KF-21 ‘Boramae,’ which is still undergoing test flights, is also expected to be exported to countries such as the UAE. The UAE had been pursuing the purchase of F-35s to replace existing F-16s but negotiations with the US have stalled.
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