Korea is expanding its military presence across the Middle East as a defense export surge reshapes regional diplomacy. Consequently, the government views the defense export surge as a driver of deeper security and economic partnerships.
President Lee Jae Myung emphasized this strategic shift during his recent trip across the MENA region. Furthermore, he stated that Korea intends to move beyond traditional arms sales and prioritize broader cooperation. Officials also confirmed that Middle Eastern demand has fueled a defense export surge and intensified global market competition.
Korea’s defense exports to the region jumped from $241 million in 2019 to $747.5 million in 2024. Additionally, government analysts attributed the rapid rise to growing geopolitical instability and urgent military modernization programs. Middle Eastern governments simultaneously increased defense budgets to strengthen security readiness and reduce external dependence.
The region is gradually reducing reliance on American weapons systems and diversifying procurement sources. Moreover, the US share of arms exports fell from 77.1 percent to 55.2 percent over five years. Asian suppliers similarly increased their share from 9.5 percent to 18.3 percent, signaling major shifts in the global defense landscape.
Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Kuwait ranked among the world’s ten largest arms importers during recent years. Consequently, regional defense spending reached $220.6 billion last year after expanding by 15.6 percent. Forecasts additionally suggest that military expenditures may climb to $255.8 billion by 2029.
The UAE has become a central defense buyer as it boosts military capabilities and domestic industry. Likewise, the country allocated an estimated $29.9 billion to defense in 2024, marking an 11.6 percent increase. Korean officials therefore believe partnerships with the UAE can anchor broader cooperation across the Middle East.
Korea and the UAE recently agreed to expand military collaboration with greater focus on joint development projects. For example, Hanwha Group signed an agreement with EDGE Group to co-develop AI radar and autonomous ground vehicles. The companies will also consider forming a joint venture to scale deployment and manufacturing over time.
Korea Aerospace Industries signed a separate agreement to support next-generation defense infrastructure inside the UAE. Moreover, officials expect these partnerships to strengthen supply chains, reduce delivery risks and increase long-term sales confidence. Industry executives likewise anticipate further deals as regional militaries increase demand for modular and scalable weapons systems.
Analysts estimate that nearly 70 percent of major weapons platforms across six Middle Eastern states require replacement. As a result, Korea has drawn interest because it offers competitive pricing and dependable delivery with adaptable system upgrades. Experts therefore say the market will expand further as governments modernize air, land and maritime forces simultaneously.
Korea plans to sustain business diplomacy, pursue technology cooperation and build long-term regional defense ecosystems. Additionally, executives expect continued growth because modernization programs show no signs of slowing. Officials confirm that Korea sees long-term partnership as the foundation for stable military exports and strategic regional influence.
