Lee Jae-myung, President, attended the 1st Defense Industry Day symposium on the 8th and said, "The defense industry is not only about security but also about the country's food source," adding, "The government will actively support defense industry exports." He also emphasized the need to establish a control tower for defense exports during the symposium following the cabinet meeting, aiming for entry into the 'top four defense powers.'
On this day, President Lee noted at the symposium hosted by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, "Until now, we have grown mainly in the domestic market, but we are now recognized for our capabilities and have become a country that exports weapon systems worldwide," and expressed hope that the defense industry would not only strengthen Korea's security but also establish itself as one of the industries for Korea's future food sources. He also mentioned that the defense industry falls under the scope of national safety and livelihoods.
He repeatedly mentioned strengthening the competitiveness of K-defense. President Lee said, "We need to enhance the competitiveness of our defense products in line with changes in the security environment," adding, "We must develop and advance competitive weapon systems such as artificial intelligence and unmanned robots in a rapidly changing battlefield." He particularly pointed out the defense ecosystem being centered on a few large corporations, stating, "There is a need to establish an ecosystem where many corporations, regardless of size, can participate."
◇"Defense Acquisition Program Administration should be redefined as a Defense Industry Agency"
During the closed symposium, issues raised included the need to establish a unified defense data management system, the need for technology acquisition and infrastructure development, and accessibility issues related to defense data. One participant noted, "There is a need to redefine the Defense Acquisition Program Administration to the level of a Defense Industry Agency." There was also a point raised that the accessibility of defense-related data is difficult, and a unified management system needs to be urgently established. For startups, a suggestion was made to create a structure where they participate in a consortium model rather than direct competition with large corporations.
In response, President Lee noted, "The defense industry requires creative and flexible thinking," and added, "The government will do its best to transition to an ecosystem where the private and public sectors work together and to expand international cooperation." The symposium was attended by Kim Yong-beom, Chief of Policy, Ha Jun-gyeong, Senior Presidential Secretary for Economic Growth, Kim Hyun-jong, Deputy Director of Security, among other presidential office staff, and vice ministers from related departments. In the private sector, representatives from defense companies such as Hanwha Aerospace and LIG Nex1 attended.