SOUTH Korea’s chief of the state arms procurement agency has held talks with Malaysia defense minister on more defense deals.
The move is part of the South Korea’s plan to clinch more deals in Southeast Asia.
Both officials held talks during the sidelines of the Defense Service Asia Exhibition and Conference in Kuala Lumpur earlier this week.
The two sides discussed the progress of the bilateral deal they have signed last year for South Korea to supply eighteen FA-50 light attack aircraft to Malaysia.
South Korean officials also offered their Malaysian counterparts an expanded option of military weapons that includes more fighter jets, rocket systems, and surface-to-air missile systems.
The South Korean minister also held talks with defense officials from Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines on exploring more options for strengthening defense and arms industry cooperation.
Vietnamese officials showed interest in acquiring K-9 self-propelled howitzer, according to South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).
Meanwhile, Philippine officials set their eyes on South Korea’s KF-21 fighter jets, as well as the FA-50 light attack aircraft and submarines.
South Korea is focusing on its goal to secure $20 billion worth of arms exports by the end of 2024.
