South Korea has shown remarkable performance in the missile export market in recent years, drawing widespread attention.
In particular, a recent deal saw Iraq deciding to purchase 8 sets of KM-SAM Block II medium-range air defense missile systems from South Korea, totaling a staggering $2.56 billion.
This decision not only garnered significant interest but also highlighted South Korea's strong competitiveness in the air defense market in the Middle East.
Indeed, Iraq is not the first Middle Eastern country to opt for South Korean missile systems.
Over the past two years, several Middle Eastern countries have placed orders for air defense missiles from South Korea, including some substantial deals.
For instance, the UAE purchased 10 systems in January 2022 for $3.5 billion, while Saudi Arabia bought the same number of systems at the end of 2023 for $3.2 billion (which was $300 million cheaper than initially estimated).
Iraq's inclusion signifies the third Middle Eastern country in over two years to purchase South Korean missile systems.
What's the logic behind these missile procurements?
Middle Eastern countries clearly lack effective air defense capabilities and demand high quality and performance from their systems.
In such cases, why not choose similar products produced by other countries such as China?
After all, China's HQ-9 offers significant advantages in performance parameters and price.
The answer to this question may require analysis from multiple perspectives.
Firstly, there's the issue of missile platform. South Korea's KM-SAM Block II system is actually based on improvements to the Russian S-350E and S-400 air defense missile system platforms.
In particular, the S-400 enjoys a strong reputation in the international market and has garnered attention for its performance on actual battlefields.
The military market tends to favor products that have been tested in real combat situations, not just based on performance parameters alone.
While China's HQ-9 leads in technology and offers price advantages, South Korea's product, based on existing combat experience, has higher market credibility and reliability.
Secondly, purchasing military equipment also involves alignment issues.
Although South Korea's missile systems derive from Russian technology, its close relationship with the United States is well-known.
For Middle Eastern countries, purchasing South Korean military equipment is not just about acquiring air defense capabilities but also a political statement in support of the United States.
Despite the declining influence of the United States in the Middle East, for countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, choosing South Korean products may be seen as consistent with their foreign policies and security strategies.
Thirdly, military trade often goes beyond commercial transactions.
When deciding to purchase military equipment, Middle Eastern countries typically consider complex geopolitical factors and dynamics of international relations.
Their choices are influenced not only by technical performance and price but also by their relationships with major powers and their positions on the international stage.
As regional powers, these countries seek to maintain their national security and regional stability through military equipment purchases without offending any major power.
In summary, despite the technical and economic advantages of Chinese air defense missiles, Middle Eastern countries' choice to purchase South Korean products reflects complex geopolitical and strategic considerations.
In the current complex landscape of international relations, such choices are not uncommon but rather integral to regional security and international political interactions.
Aside from missile systems, South Korea's role in the global defense market is also noteworthy.
While South Korea has made significant strides in exporting air defense missiles in recent years, its overall influence in the global defense trade remains relatively limited.
Compared to other major defense exporting countries, South Korea's position is not as prominent due to limitations in technological innovation and independent research and development capabilities in the defense industry.
This situation partly stems from the unique nature of South Korea's defense industry.
Despite achievements in specific areas such as missile technology, South Korea's overall defense capabilities and international market competitiveness lag behind those of top global defense nations.
This gap is evident not only in technological innovation and product reliability but also in the depth and breadth of international military cooperation and strategic partnerships.
South Korea's defense industry still needs to further strengthen its technological research and development and market expansion efforts.
While it has made progress in specific areas like missile systems and gained market share in regions like the Middle East, South Korea needs to focus more on technological innovation and product upgrades to enhance its overall competitiveness in the global defense market.
The successful cases of South Korea promoting its air defense missile systems among Middle Eastern countries provide valuable lessons.
Through continuous technological innovation and seeking diversified cooperation opportunities in the market, South Korea aims to further solidify its position in the global defense market and play a more significant role in future military equipment exports.
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