South Korea is looking to expand its defense footprint in the Middle East, pitching a broader package of military hardware to Iraq, including helicopters, fighter jets, and air defense systems.
High-level discussions took place on the sidelines of the IQDEX 2025 defense expo in Baghdad, involving Iraqi defense officials and South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).
Ko Hyung-seok, head of DAPA’s helicopter program division, led the push to sell additional KUH-1 Surion utility helicopters, building on a $92.7-million deal signed in December 2024 for two units.
According to DAPA, Iraq has signaled a strong interest in scaling up the deal, with talks expanding to include fighter jets such as the FA-50 light combat aircraft and mobile air defense platforms developed by South Korean defense giants.
The potential deal marks Iraq’s intent to diversify its military suppliers beyond the usual powerhouses, the US and Russia.
‘K-Defense’ Strategy
South Korea’s push to expand its defense footprint in the Middle East is part of its broader “K-Defense” strategy, a national initiative to position the country as a top-tier global arms exporter.
The approach leans heavily on Seoul’s strengths: advanced homegrown technology, efficient manufacturing, and a growing track record of reliable systems.
While Asia and Europe have long been key markets, the Middle East is quickly emerging as a strategic frontier.
In recent moves, South Korea signed a major cooperation deal with the UAE to jointly develop and operate its KF-21 Boramae fighter jets.
Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has deployed the K239 Chunmoo multiple launch rocket system along its southern border, signaling a shift toward Korean platforms.
