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An Analysis of South Korea's Multiple Launch Rocket System, Its Technological Competitiveness, and Strategic Expansion into Europe Executive Summary South Korea's defense industry is expanding its presence in Europe, driven by growing demand for advanced weapons systems, reliable delivery schedules, and long-term industrial cooperation. Among its increasingly prominent defense exports is the K239 Chunmoo Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), developed and manufactured by Hanw

South Korea's successful fifth launch of the Nuri rocket on October 7, 2026, represents more than another achievement in the country's space program. With five primary Earth observation microsatellites successfully deployed into orbit, the mission marks an important shift in Korea's space ambitions. The question is no longer simply whether the country can independently reach space, but how it can use space-based capabilities to strengthen national security, respond to emergin

Courtesy of the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) The KF-21 Boramae represents far more than South Korea’s success in producing a domestically developed fighter aircraft. It signals a broader transformation in the country’s defense and aerospace capabilities—from a nation that has traditionally relied heavily on foreign-designed combat aircraft to one increasingly capable of designing, integrating, producing, and upgrading advanced air combat systems on its own. One of the

Courtesy of Hanwha Aerospace A self-propelled howitzer originally developed to meet South Korea’s own security needs has now entered one of the most demanding defense markets in the world. On August 18, 2026, the U.S. Army announced a contract with Hanwha Defense USA for the Mobile Tactical Cannon (MTC) prototype program. Under the agreement, Hanwha will deliver six initial prototypes, with an option for 12 additional systems, bringing the potential total to 18. The immediate

As Canada moves closer to selecting a winner for its Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), the competition appears to be evolving beyond a simple comparison of submarine specifications. Increasingly, the question is not only who can build the best submarine, but who can become Canada's most reliable long-term strategic partner. A recent example is HD Hyundai's agreement with the University of British Columbia (UBC) to collaborate on advanced naval technologies, including

Reference Image | U.S. Virginia-class nuclear-powered submarine Illinois under construction at Groton Shipyard, Connecticut (2015). Source: AP. The recent agreement between South Korea and the United States to accelerate follow-up negotiations on nuclear-powered submarines and nuclear energy cooperation represents far more than a routine diplomatic development. The emphasis on producing tangible results quickly suggests that both governments recognize the growing urgency of t

The launch of South Korea–U.S. consultations on nuclear-powered submarines and expanded nuclear cooperation reflects growing efforts by both countries to strengthen maritime security and long-term strategic coordination in the Indo-Pacific region. As maritime trade routes become increasingly important and regional naval capabilities continue to evolve, Seoul has sought to enhance its ability to conduct extended underwater operations while improving its overall defense readine

South Korea’s latest submarine, the ROKS Dosan Ahn Changho, has arrived at Canadian Forces Base Esquimalt in British Columbia, drawing attention as a leading candidate in Canada’s next-generation submarine acquisition program. The visit is viewed not only as a naval exchange, but also as a direct demonstration of South Korea’s submarine technology. The submarine recently completed a historic trans-Pacific deployment, traveling more than 15,000 kilometers over nearly two month

The era of unmanned fleets cutting through open seas is no longer a distant vision—it is unfolding now. Hanwha Defense USA has joined forces with U.S.-based maritime autonomy specialist Magnet Defense to launch the development of a Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel (MUSV), marking a pivotal shift in Korea-U.S. defense cooperation. At National Harbor in Maryland on April 20 (local time), the two companies formalized a strategic partnership that goes beyond conventional collaborat