South Korea's Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Seung-kyu departed today for Canada and Norway in a high-stakes diplomatic mission aimed at securing major defense contracts, underscoring Seoul's emergence as a global arms exporter competing with traditional Western defense manufacturers.
The week-long trip focuses on promoting Korean-made submarines and multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) to allied nations seeking to modernize their military capabilities amid rising global security concerns. The mission represents the highest-level political backing yet for Korea's defense industry ambitions.
According to Yonhap News Agency, Kang will meet with senior government officials in both capitals to discuss defense cooperation agreements that could be worth billions of dollars. The submarine negotiations are particularly significant, as they would mark Korea's entry into the highly competitive Western naval export market.
Canada is currently evaluating options to replace its aging Victoria-class submarines, a procurement program expected to exceed $60 billion over the coming decades. Korean shipbuilder Hanwha Ocean (formerly Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering) has proposed its KSS-III diesel-electric submarine, which features advanced air-independent propulsion technology allowing extended underwater operations.
"Korean submarines offer Western allies a compelling value proposition: NATO-compatible systems, proven technology, and competitive pricing," explained Kim Dae-young, senior researcher at the Korea Institute for Defense Analyses. "Unlike Chinese or Russian alternatives, Korean defense products integrate seamlessly with existing allied infrastructure."
Norway, meanwhile, is exploring artillery modernization options as European nations rebuild military capabilities in response to the war in Ukraine. Korean defense contractor Hanwha Aerospace manufactures the K239 Chunmoo MLRS system, which can fire both guided and unguided rockets at ranges exceeding 290 kilometers—offering capabilities similar to the US-made HIMARS system that proved decisive in Ukraine.
The diplomatic push reflects South Korea's rapid transformation from arms importer to major exporter. Korean defense exports reached approximately $17 billion in 2025, making the country the world's ninth-largest arms exporter according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
Korea's defense industry success stems from several factors. The country maintains sophisticated domestic military technology developed during decades of facing North Korean threats. Its shipbuilding industry possesses world-class capabilities. And Korean manufacturers offer faster delivery timelines than many Western competitors whose production lines are backlogged with existing orders.
Recent Korean defense export successes include a $12 billion deal with Poland for tanks, howitzers, and fighter jets—one of the largest arms contracts in modern European history. Australia selected Korean companies for armored vehicle production. And multiple Middle Eastern nations have purchased Korean artillery systems and air defense platforms.
However, the submarine market represents a more challenging arena. Naval vessels require decades-long maintenance relationships, technology transfer agreements, and deep integration with national security infrastructure. Convincing Western allies to choose Korean submarines over established European or American alternatives requires overcoming significant institutional inertia.
"Submarines aren't just equipment purchases—they're 40-year strategic partnerships," noted Lee Choon-geun, senior research fellow at the Science and Technology Policy Institute. "Canada and Norway will evaluate not just the hardware, but whether Korea can provide sustained support, technology upgrades, and reliable supply chains over decades."
The Chief of Staff's direct involvement signals presidential-level commitment to defense export promotion. Kang will likely emphasize Korea's reliability as a democratic ally, its technological sophistication, and its willingness to offer industrial partnerships that create jobs in purchasing countries—a critical factor in Western defense procurement decisions.
Political considerations also favor Korean exports. As Western nations seek to diversify defense suppliers and reduce dependence on any single source, Korea offers a strategic alternative that doesn't compromise alliance commitments or technology security. Unlike purchases from non-allied countries, Korean defense equipment integrates with existing NATO systems and intelligence-sharing arrangements.
For South Korea, defense exports serve multiple strategic purposes beyond revenue. They strengthen military alliances, demonstrate technological prowess, and enhance Korea's geopolitical influence. Every major defense contract creates lasting institutional relationships between Korean and allied militaries.
"When Norwegian soldiers train on Korean rocket systems, or Canadian submariners operate Korean vessels, it creates people-to-people ties that transcend commercial transactions," said Park Hwee-rhak, professor at Kookmin University. "These are investments in long-term alliance relationships."
In Korea, as across dynamic Asian economies, cultural exports and technological leadership reshape global perceptions—even as security tensions persist. South Korea successfully balances being a major K-pop exporter, semiconductor powerhouse, and frontline state facing North Korean threats—showing how comprehensive national power extends beyond military might to include defense industrial capabilities that strengthen allied security.
The outcome of Kang's mission will indicate whether Korea can break into the exclusive club of nations that export major naval platforms to Western allies—a milestone that would cement its status as a Tier-1 defense industrial power.
