South Korea is aiming to become the 4th largest global defense power
- Doyoung Lim
- Nov 19
- 1 min read
Nov 19, 2025
Doyoung Lim
South Korea aims to join the ranks of the world’s top four defense powers by 2030, with President Lee Jae-Myung announcing a major investment for a rapid boost in weapons and military research at the upcoming country’s largest army fair on Monday. At the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2025, President Lee revealed plans for a “larger than expected budget” dedicated to defense innovation, including unmanned systems and AI-driven combat technology.
South Korea is currently ranked 10th globally in defense according to SIPRI data. Lee declares that “Becoming one of the largest powerhouses in defense is not an impossible task anymore.” He emphasized that Seoul should innovate with advanced technology to develop materials and components for modern warfare systems locally to achieve military dominance.
South Korea’s defense surge represents a new phase in the global community, as traditional powers such as the U.S. and China are facing rising competition from technology. This move also underscores South Korea’s new attempt through world-class electronics and shipbuilding expertise for military dominance.
