[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] K-Defense Industry Support for Ukraine

As Ukraine is reported to have requested weapons of mass destruction, attention is focusing on the items that can be supported. During the summit meeting between President Yoon Suk-yeol and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky held on the sidelines of the Group of Seven (G7) summit in Hiroshima, Japan, the day before, support items were mentioned, and it is known that the Ministry of National Defense has also begun reviewing the matter.

On the 22nd, Jeon Ha-gyu, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, said at a regular briefing, "Based on discussions between the two heads of state, the Ministry of National Defense will actively review so that the items Ukraine needs can be quickly supported," adding, "Although detailed items were discussed, I understand there were talks about mine clearance equipment and emergency evacuation vehicles, and if such support plans are materialized, we will be able to provide more explanation at that time."

When asked whether air defense radars are included among the support items, Spokesperson Jeon said, "For now, we will actively review the parts we can support, such as mine clearance equipment and emergency evacuation vehicles," adding, "However, we will be able to explain more specifically once the items are further detailed."

Government Begins Full-Scale Discussion on Support Items for Ukraine... Mine Detectors and More Possible

Ukraine is reported to have requested mine clearance equipment, emergency evacuation vehicles, armored ambulances, mobile X-ray devices, and air defense radars from the Korean government.

Regarding mine clearance equipment, it is reported that there is a high possibility of providing the obstacle-clearing tank (K600) currently supplied to the Army and the portable new mine detector (PRS-20K). The obstacle-clearing tank is equipped with a mine-clearing plow and an excavating arm mounted on a K1A1 tank, used to remove mines and various obstacles to secure mobility routes. Two soldiers operate the vehicle, using the plow at the front of the chassis to till the ground and detect buried mines. It is also equipped with a 'magnetic influence mine neutralization device' that emits a magnetic field to deactivate mines, capable of detecting mines buried up to 5 meters ahead.

The new mine detector developed with domestic technology applies ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technology, enabling detection of both metallic and non-metallic mines. The military has purchased equipment such as rollers, Rhino, Mine Breaker, and MK-4 from abroad to remove mines in the inter-Korean control area. However, these devices have been criticized for not being suitable for Korea’s mountainous terrain. Moreover, military officials explained that these foreign-made devices were purchased a long time ago, making it difficult to provide them to Ukraine.

Meanwhile, the government supported military supplies worth over 4.8 billion won last year in three rounds, including food items (combat rations, etc.), general goods (clothing, bulletproof vests, tents, etc.), equipment (gas masks, filters, etc.), and medical equipment (personal first aid kits, antibiotics, etc.).