Key Takeaways
- Lawmakers criticized the government’s defense strategy amid stalled U.S. tariff negotiations and the Korea-U.S. destroyer project.
- Concerns were raised about the security of Korean defense technology potentially reaching North Korea.
- The Democratic Party highlighted the negative effects of emergency martial law on the defense industry, urging for clearer organizational discipline.
Defense Industry Discussions Amid Controversy
During a parliamentary audit on October 17, South Korea’s National Defense Committee examined pressing issues concerning the Defense Acquisition Program Administration and related organizations. Key topics included the stalled Korea-U.S. next-generation destroyer project and sluggish tariff negotiations with the United States.
Sung Il-jong, the committee’s chairman from the People’s Power party, criticized the government for its inadequate handling of defense contracts, particularly the promised $350 billion investment in the U.S. He suggested that projects like the U.S. military’s maintenance and repair operations should be leveraged more effectively to benefit South Korea’s defense industry.
Concerns were also raised regarding potential technology leaks, specifically pointing out that Indonesia, involved in the joint development of Korea’s KF-21 fighter jet, has recently initiated technical cooperation with North Korea. Lawmaker Han Ki-ho emphasized the need for robust measures to protect South Korea’s defense technology from falling into enemy hands.
Conversely, members of the Democratic Party stressed the importance of establishing organizational discipline in response to the so-called civil war within the country. Lawmaker Chung Chung-rae referenced significant declines in defense cooperation with nations such as Sweden and the UAE following December’s emergency martial law incident. He attributed these failures to the martial law’s impact on the defense industry, stating that clarity and accountability are crucial to rectify these issues.
Seok Jong-gun, head of the Defense Agency, echoed these sentiments, suggesting that the emergency measures nearly crippled the K-bangsan industry’s potential.
The ongoing KDDX order competition between HD Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean also sparked debate. Lawmaker Park Sun-won claimed there has been unfair competition linked to former Defense Minister Kim Yong-hyun’s ties to HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, urging a move away from outdated policies that hinder progress in the sector.
In summary, the discussions highlighted urgent challenges facing South Korea’s defense sector, including external negotiation hurdles, internal organizational problems, and the imperative to safeguard sensitive technologies. The committee’s hearings underscored the need for swift action to ensure the vitality and security of the nation’s defense capabilities.
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