Gov’t to develop 60 key materials and technologies across advanced defense sectors

The Korean government will develop 60 key materials and technologies in five advanced defense sectors, including space, AI, robotics and semiconductors.

Lee Seung-ryul, director general for industrial policy at the Trade Ministry, chairs the first meeting held between the Trade Ministry and Defense Acquisition Program Administration to announce 60 key defense materials and technologies that the government aims to develop at the Hyundai Rotem Research Institute in Uiwang, Gyeonggi. [NEWS1]

The Korean government will develop 60 key materials and technologies in five advanced defense sectors, including space, AI, robotics and semiconductors.

The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) convened the first meeting on Thursday to finalize the road map at the Hyundai Rotem Research Institute in Uiwang, Gyeonggi.

The move follows the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed between the two ministries in June 2023 to discuss cooperation on research and development (R&D) for defense materials and component technologies.

The prioritization of R&D involves technologies that will have immense domestic impact and export contributions, such as advanced aerospace engine materials, next-generation tank hybrid powertrains and multi-band transceiver modules for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

“Due to security concerns, it is not possible to disclose the detailed list and specific development plans for the 60 key technologies across the five sectors,” a Trade Ministry spokesperson said. “However, we aim to select and support the tasks necessary to enhance defense competitiveness.”

The ministries selected the 60 key technologies with experts from the Agency for Defense Development (ADD), Korea Research Institute for Defense Technology Planning and Advancement (KRIT) and Korea Electronics Technology Institute (KETI) based on factors such as dependency on imports, supply chain security and industrial impact.

After the meeting, Lee Seung-ryul, director-general for industrial policy at the Trade Ministry, and Kang Hwan-seug, vice minister at DAPA, held a separate meeting with Hyundai Rotem CEO Lee Yong-bae and other executives. They focused on the development of customized weapon systems for defense export and government-supported R&D measures to secure future technologies.

BY LEE JAE-LIM [lee.jaelim@joongang.co.kr]