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South Korea Holds Interagency Meeting on North American Defense Industry Cooperation
South Korean government officials convened an interagency meeting to evaluate defense partnerships in North America and support local companies' expansion. The discussion occurred amid a Korean consortium's bid for a Canadian submarine contract valued at approximately 60 trillion won. Participants included representatives from multiple ministries and embassy staff.
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SEOUL, April 21, 2026 - South Korean government officials held an interagency meeting on April 21 to review defense industry partnerships in North America and discuss strategies to assist Korean defense companies in increasing their regional presence, according to the foreign ministry.
The meeting took place as a consortium of two Korean defense firms pursues a contract to supply patrol submarines to Canada, with the deal estimated at around 60 trillion won, or US$40.7 billion.
from the foreign and defense ministries, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, and embassy staff from South Korean missions in North America participated via video links. Deputy Defense Minister Won Chong-dae stated that defense cooperation serves as a link between national security and industrial competitiveness, describing North America as a key area for the future of the defense industry and sustainable growth, the foreign ministry reported.
He added that the Canadian submarine project could provide momentum for South Korea to advance its defense strategies and showcase its capabilities.
Cooperation Efforts Deputy Foreign Minister Park Jong-han
emphasized the role of overseas missions in facilitating diplomatic consultations for defense cooperation with foreign partners. Park also advocated for exploring new opportunities in defense industry cooperation with Latin American countries, according to the ministry.
The meeting reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen South Korea's position in international defense markets, particularly in North America, where such partnerships could enhance export opportunities for Korean firms.
