Defense Acquisition Program Administration Minister Lee Yong-cheol speaks at a public-private defense seminar in Seoul on June 19. Photo by Asia Today
July 2 (Asia Today) -- South Korea is seeking to expand its defense industry beyond exports of complete weapons systems by helping smaller domestic companies secure long-term positions in the supply chains of major global contractors.
Offset agreements, which require foreign suppliers to provide benefits such as technology transfers or purchases of locally manufactured components when South Korea imports weapons, are emerging as a key tool in that strategy.
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration held its two-day 2026 Defense Offset Industry Cooperation Event on Wednesday and Thursday at the Peace & Park Convention Center at the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul.
The event was jointly organized with the Korea Research Institute for Defense Technology Planning and Advancement to help South Korean companies enter international defense supply chains.
