Defense Companies, Everyone Reaches Out to Support Turkey Relief Efforts

SNT Heavy Industries, KAI, Pungsan, and Others Join Forces with Collective Spirit

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] Domestic defense companies are extending their support to help the victims of the Turkey-Syria earthquake, which resulted in over 20,000 deaths.

According to the defense industry on the 14th, SNT Heavy Industries delivered cold-weather blankets by air on the 13th, following cold-weather clothing sent on the 10th. The total value amounts to $200,000 (approximately 250 million KRW). Additionally, an in-house relief fundraising event is planned. Last month, SNT Heavy Industries exported a 1,500-horsepower automatic transmission to Turkey. The contract was worth 200 million euros (about 270 billion KRW), playing a significant role as the first 'K-Defense' export signal shot this year.

SNT Heavy Industries delivered cold-weather blankets by air to the local area on the 13th, following cold-weather clothing on the 10th. (Photo by SNT Heavy Industries)

LIG Nex1, which has ties with Turkish defense companies, also rolled up its sleeves. From the 16th to the 20th, an in-house fundraising campaign will be held, and the collected donations will be delivered. LIG Nex1 purchases parts from Turkey's Space and Defense Technologies (SDT) to produce simulation data systems for the Korean fighter jet KF-21.

Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) has also been conducting an in-house fundraising campaign since the 9th. KAI plans to donate 300 million KRW collected through company funds and employee donations to the Korean Red Cross. Since exporting 40 KT-1 aircraft worth about $356 million, including training and maintenance equipment, to Turkey in 2007, KAI has maintained its relationship.

Pungsan Group, which has defense cooperation with Turkey, visited the Embassy of Turkey in Korea located in Jangchung-dong, Jung-gu, on the 6th and donated $500,000 (about 630 million KRW) for earthquake recovery. An industry official said, "Domestic defense companies and Turkey have a close cooperative relationship," adding, "We hope Turkey maintains a strong relationship through rapid reconstruction."