President Lee: "Unprecedented Budget to Be Invested in Defense and Aerospace R&D by 2030"

[Financial News] On the 20th, President Lee Jae Myung declared, "By 2030, we will invest an unprecedented budget in defense research and development and Aerospace Research and Development to secure core technologies and weapon systems for the future of national defense, and to build independent capabilities for space development."
In his congratulatory address at the opening ceremony of the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition 2025 (Seoul ADEX 2025) held at the Korea International Exhibition Center (KINTEX) in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, President Lee stated, "We will invest boldly. In particular, we will focus investments on developing technologies, components, and materials that must be independently secured in the defense sector, such as special-purpose semiconductors, to establish technological sovereignty."
President Lee emphasized, "We will accelerate our efforts. We will drastically improve policies and systems so that innovative technologies can be swiftly introduced to the industrial field. Opportunities for the private sector to propose their technologies and equipment to the military will be expanded, and the Defense Industry Fast-Track System will be introduced and further expanded to ensure rapid application within the armed forces."
Additionally, President Lee explained, "We will create an ecosystem where companies can grow together. We will lower entry barriers so that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups with outstanding technologies can actively participate in the defense industry and aerospace sectors. Anyone with the capability and technology will have the opportunity to directly contribute to the advancement of Korea's defense industry."
President Lee remarked, "The reason our country has advanced from relying on surplus foreign weapons to becoming one of the world's top five defense powers and achieving $10 billion in defense exports is because every previous administration has fostered the defense industry and Aerospace Industry. Our government will build on this solid foundation with even bolder investments and support, propelling Korea to become one of the top four global leaders in the defense industry and Aerospace Industry."
President Lee particularly noted, "Of course, this great dream cannot be achieved by our efforts alone. The defense industry and Aerospace Industry face clear limitations with only domestic demand and require large-scale capital and technological capabilities."
He further analyzed, "Therefore, solidarity and cooperation with the world are not optional but essential. To secure the competitiveness of the K-Defense Industry in the global market, we must go beyond simply exporting excellent products and present a new brand value as a security cooperation partner."
President Lee continued, "Korea will not only provide partner countries with the world's best weapon systems but also share technology and experience in building industrial infrastructure, becoming a reliable partner based on solid trust. We will do our utmost to ensure that Korea's defense industry and Aerospace Industry become proud names that safeguard global peace and enrich the lives of our people."
President Lee added, "Becoming one of the world's top four defense powerhouses is by no means an impossible dream. The technological capabilities and pace of development in the private sector are already world-class. The government will spare no effort in supporting active private sector participation and leadership in defense reform."
syj@fnnews.com Seo Young-jun Reporter