Ukraine's arms hopes dim as South Korea maintains restrictions
The Ukrainian Defence Minister, Rustem Umerov, visited South Korea. President Yoon Suk-yeol and other participants discussed the potential acquisition of South Korean weapons by Ukraine. According to media reports, this is unlikely.
As reported by one of South Korea's largest television channels, SBS News, Seoul remains an ally of Ukraine but intends to continue limiting its support to non-military equipment. For months, Ukrainian media have been viewing South Korea as a country whose involvement in the conflict could influence its course due to its substantial arsenal. According to the Global Firepower ranking, South Korea possesses the world's fifth most powerful army. There had been hope that Seoul might reconsider its approach in light of closer cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang.
No weapons for Ukraine from South Korea
The Ukrainian Defence Minister, aware of the stance of the South Korean government, officially requested primarily "defensive weapons." This includes air defence systems and various types of radars. The KM-SAM systems, which are mobile surface-to-air missile systems with a range of approximately 40 to 50 kilometres, could be considered here.
Additionally, the Ukrainian delegation was meant to discuss artillery ammunition. South Korea is one of the world's largest producers of 155 mm calibre shells, and as the conflict in Ukraine has shown, artillery plays a crucial role. Ukrainians use 155 mm artillery shells in modern NATO artillery, including Polish-made Krab self-propelled howitzers, CAESAR from France, or the Panzerhaubitze 2000 (PzH 2000) from Germany.
Defence plants in South Korea produce various types of shells, including basic ones containing about 7 kilograms of TNT and shells with cluster warheads or gas generators. Additionally, South Korea has substantial stockpiles of 105 mm calibre artillery ammunition, which could also be valuable for Ukraine.
They don't even want to sell weapons to Ukraine
According to media reports, Ukrainian representatives not only requested help but also indicated a desire to purchase ammunition. However, the South Korean government's decision in this case is reportedly negative.
SBS News reports that South Korean defense companies, including giants Hanwha and Hyundai Rotem, have received instructions from the local Ministry of Defence to refrain from contacting Ukraine. The cited reason was "legislative complications" concerning arms deliveries to a country engaged in conflict.
Moreover, another aspect is being noted. South Korea has been a major arms exporter in recent years, with many countries, including Poland, purchasing South Korean military equipment, such as K2 tanks and K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers. The success of South Korean arms exports, however, means that, for instance, the main producer of air defense systems will not be able to supply its products to new clients before 2030. Manufacturers of K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers or K2 tanks also do not have ready products in stock.
