In Changwon, near the large South Korean port of Busan, the Hanwha Aerospace weapons factory is operating at full capacity. Workers are putting the finishing touches on a new air defense system that could be used in Ukraine.
South Korea has always refrained from supplying weapons to active conflict zones, but that could change as North Korea is suspected by South Korean intelligence of sending troops to help Russia in its war in Ukraine.
At the top of the list of South Korean-made equipment that Ukraine could receive is the system «Cheongung»literally “celestial arrow”a sort of Iron Dome type interception shield, produced in the Changwon factory which opened its doors to AFP journalists.
Modeled on South Korea’s largest defense conglomerate, welders work with Beethoven’s Letter to Elisa playing in the background. Huge cylinders will be part of this defensive interception system from Hanwha, which also produces an attack-oriented variant.
“The Cheongung system can be considered similar to the American Patriot missile system” expose Jung Sung-young, not responsible for Hanwha Aerospace.
Ukraine is dependent on Western defense systems, particularly American Patriot missiles, and is demanding more deliveries. South Korea’s involvement could make a difference, experts say.
It remains to be seen whether – and how – South Korea will help Ukraine. The decision will depend on “North Korea’s level of involvement” in the conflict, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol said in early November, adding that Seoul“he did not rule out the possibility of sending weapons”.
The first batch would in any case be defensive in nature, he said.
Kiev urgently needs to strengthen its air defenses, notes Han Kwon-hee of the Korea Defense Industry Association.
“They will help Ukraine repel Russian offensives by intercepting drones and missiles over their territory”he said. A huge boost after the recent US decision to allow the Ukrainian military to use long-range US missiles against targets inside Russia.
South Korea has still officially been at war with North Korea since the end of hostilities in 1953, which was not concluded with a peace treaty.
Hanwha Aerospace, which has long prioritized land-based armaments, now sees its production in high demand, particularly with armaments contracts signed with Poland and Romania.
The increase in geopolitical tensions in Europe strongly benefits the South Korean group, with operating profit growing by 450% in the third quarter of 2024 (July-September) to $343.3 million.
Seoul has long harbored ambitions to join the ranks of the world’s top arms exporting countries, aiming for fourth place, behind the United States, Russia and France.
According to South Korean experts, another Hanwha product could also be used in Ukraine – the Chunmoo guided missile system.
“Ukraine urgently needs offensive weapons such as Chunmoo missiles and K9 howitzers, capable of inflicting significant damage on the enemy, to turn the situation in its favor”estimates Choi Gi-il, professor of military studies at Sangji University.
“If North Korea’s direct involvement in the war increases, Seoul may consider sending lethal weapons in addition to defensive ones”believe.
What is the significance of the Cheongung air defense system in the context of South Korea’s defense strategy?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Defense Industry Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone! Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Han Kwon-hee, an expert from the Korea Defense Industry Association. Han, thank you for joining us.
Han Kwon-hee: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss such a critical topic.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. There’s been a lot of buzz about South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace factory ramping up production, especially regarding the Cheongung air defense system. Could you give us an overview of its significance?
Han: Absolutely. The Cheongung system, which translates to “celestial arrow,” is South Korea’s answer to aerial threats. It’s designed to intercept missiles and drones, much like the American Patriot missile system. Given the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, its potential deployment there could significantly enhance Ukraine’s air defense capabilities.
Editor: That’s fascinating. South Korea has historically refrained from supplying weapons to conflict zones. What has changed in this case?
Han: A key factor is North Korea’s increasing involvement in global conflicts. Recent intelligence reports suggest that North Korea may be aiding Russia in Ukraine, which poses a direct threat to South Korean security. This has spurred discussions in Seoul about reassessing their military support policy, particularly in terms of defensive systems that could help Ukraine.
Editor: So, the decision hinges on North Korea’s actions? How does public sentiment play into this?
Han: Yes, public sentiment is crucial. Many South Koreans recognize the importance of supporting Ukraine, especially against the backdrop of North Korean aggression. South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has indicated that if North Korea’s involvement escalates, military support for Ukraine could become a reality. However, it appears that any such assistance would initially focus on defensive systems.
Editor: The Cheongung system seems to be at the forefront of this potential support. Can you elaborate on its capabilities?
Han: Certainly. The Cheongung is designed to intercept a range of aerial threats, which includes not just missiles but also drones. Given the urgency of Ukraine’s situation, especially with its request for enhanced air defense following the introduction of long-range missile capabilities by the U.S., systems like Cheongung could provide a much-needed defensive boost.
Editor: With Hanwha Aerospace working at full capacity, what kind of timeline are we looking at for production and potential deployment?
Han: While specifics about timelines are often confidential, given the urgency in Ukraine and the factory’s full operation, significant progress could be made relatively quickly. That said, international regulations and the need for formal agreements would also play a role in how soon this assistance could take place.
Editor: If South Korea were to send the Cheongung system to Ukraine, how impactful would that be in the broader context of international military support for Ukraine?
Han: It would be a symbolic and strategic shift. South Korea’s support would not only bolster Ukraine’s defenses but also encourage other nations to reassess their stances on military support to combat aggression. It would signify a united front against threats from authoritarian regimes and reinforce the idea that democracies must collaborate for mutual defense.
Editor: Thank you for those insights, Han. It looks like we’re at a pivotal moment in international relations and defense policies. Any final thoughts?
Han: Just that the world is closely watching how South Korea navigates this situation. Their decision could set a precedent for other countries and reshape the dynamics of international military support in conflict zones. It’s a critical time for diplomacy and defense alike.
Editor: Thank you, Han, for sharing your expertise with us today. We look forward to seeing how this situation develops.
Han: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure discussing these vital issues.
