Seoul: Prime Minister Kim Min-seok vowed Monday to support the global expansion of defense companies by helping adopt the latest technologies and easing regulations. Kim highlighted the transformation of the nation over the last 50 years, evolving from a country unable to manufacture a single rifle to a leading arms exporter of missiles, fighter jets, and submarines.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Prime Minister made these remarks during a breakfast forum with defense industry leaders at the National Assembly. He emphasized the international desire to collaborate with the K-defense industry, stating, "The entire world wants to work together with the K-defense industry." Kim underscored that cooperation with South Korea's defense sector equates to collaboration with the nation as a whole. He assured industry leaders of governmental support for their global expansion efforts.

Kim shared an anecdote from his recent visit to the Hanwha Ocean shipyard in Geoje with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. He conveyed to Carney that engaging with the South Korean defense sector signifies engagement with the entire country. The Prime Minister outlined plans to foster a mutually beneficial ecosystem for the defense industry, which includes the early adoption of artificial intelligence, unmanned robots, and other advanced technologies. Furthermore, he announced intentions to significantly streamline procedures through deregulation, aiming to bolster the sector's global competitiveness.