South Korea discusses defense industry collaboration with Saudi prince

Seok Jong-gun left head of South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration met with Saudi Arabia’s Minister of National Guard Abdullah bin Bandar Al Saud on Jan 20 2025 — Saudi Arabia's Prince Abdullah Bin Bandar Bin Abdulaziz (right), also the Minister of National Guard, meets with Seok Jong-gun, chief of South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) on Jan. 20, 2025. Courtesy of DAPA

SEOUL, January 22 (AJP) - South Korea discussed ways to strengthen defense ties with Saudi Arabia, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) here said on Wednesday.

According to the arms procurement agency, Saudi Arabia's Prince Abdullah Bin Bandar Bin Abdulaziz, also the Minister of National Guard, met with DAPA chief Seok Jong-geon during Seok's three-day visit to the Middle Eastern country, which began on Jan. 19.

He also talked with executives from top South Korean defense companies such as Hanwha Aerospace, Korea Aerospace Industries, and HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. The kingdom's national guard ministry is in charge of the defense of the royal family and critical infrastructure.

Their discussions focused on the modernization of Saudi Arabia's ground forces, with both sides agreeing to finalize detailed collaboration plans by the end of this year.

Abdullah Bin Bandar Bin Abdulaziz is seen in this grab from the official Saudipedia website run by Saudi Arabias Ministry of Media — Abdullah Bin Bandar Bin Abdulaziz is seen in this grab from the official Saudipedia website, run by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Media.

Seok also held discussions with Khaled bin Hussein Al-Biyari, Saudi assistant minister of defense for executive affairs, to address strategies for bolstering the Saudi defense ministry's land, sea, and air capabilities. The talks resulted in a commitment to establish a joint public-private task force to facilitate long-term defense cooperation.

South Korea also sought to expand its footprint in Saudi Arabia's air and naval sectors. Seok met with Saudi Air Force commander Turki bin Bandar AI Saud to discuss the kingdom's interest in South Korean fighter jets. In a separate meeting, discussions with the chief of staff of the Saudi Naval Forces, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Gharibi, focused on potential collaborations involving South Korean frigates and submarines to strengthen Saudi naval capabilities.

"We have confirmed the potential and possibilities for Saudi Arabia to become South Korea's largest defense cooperation partner," Seok said.

Kim Joo-heon jhkim123@ajunews.com

South Korea discusses defense industry collaboration with Saudi prince

Related