More Problems For The Israeli Defense Industries In Asia
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South Korea and Japan are aggressively targeting the Asian defense market, which had long been dominated by the US, the U.K., China and Russia.
Defense World reports that Japanese companies are promoting their defense equipment at a four-day international security exhibit that got under way Monday in Bangkok. Twelve companies, including Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd., NEC Corp. and chemical maker Teijin Ltd., took part in the Japanese pavilion, which drew a visit from Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan.
Seoul is hoping to expand into the growing Thai and regional markets, and is exhibiting its wares at the Defence Services Asia exhibition in Bangkok, Korea Herald reported Monday. Nine South Korean ship, aircraft and arms manufacturing companies are participating in the event.
Four trainer jets were exported last September by Korea Aerospace Industries to Thailand. Korean Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering had also exported a 209-ton class frigate in 2013.
The participating South Korean companies include Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, Korea Aerospace Industries, Poongsan, S&T Motiv and Hanwha, as well as 13 small and midsized contractors.
“The participating companies were selected after a prior market research and analysis on their sales potential,” Lee Jong-duk, director of the international affairs division at the Korea Defense Industry Association said.
“Despite the relatively short history of our defense industry in international markets, our growing technological capabilities have improved the overall image of our products and are thus brightening the outlook for additional exports to the region.” Jong-duk added.
