Analysis: Europe’s Growing Rift With US Opens Window for South Korea’s Defense Industry

As Europe scrambles to rearm in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, concerns are rising about Washington’s reliability as a security partner, especially with President Donald Trump pushing Europe to spend 5 percent of GDP on defense.

In this climate of uncertainty, South Korea’s fast, cost-effective, and NATO-compatible defense industry, along with its bipartisan political support and strategic alignment with Europe, is poised to fill a critical gap in Europe’s rearmament efforts.

Overreliance on US Arms

South Korea’s defense acquisition chief, Seok Jong-gun, recently visited several European countries — Norway, Romania, and Sweden — to promote Korean weapons systems and met with EU and NATO officials to discuss defense industry cooperation.

The timing could not be more opportune.

With Trump openly threatening NATO solidarity and having previously paused US military support to Ukraine, many European governments are reconsidering their overreliance on American arms.

The shock of Russia’s invasion and the unpredictability of US foreign policy under Trump have led Europe to realize it needs both greater deterrent power and more control over its own defense.

The goal is clear: increase defense spending, reduce reliance on Washington, and strengthen Europe’s military-industrial base.

But there is a problem: Europe is not ready.

Rearming Europe

While the European Union recently launched a 150-billion-euro ($163 billion) loan program to boost its defense capabilities, this funding primarily supports EU-based manufacturers.

Yet, Europe’s defense industry remains fragmented, lacks strategic direction, and is heavily dependent on US systems. Meanwhile, Europe urgently needs modern, reliable, and interoperable systems — and it needs them quickly.

That is where South Korea comes in.

Appeal of South Korean Weapons

South Korea has become one of the world’s most dynamic and competitive arms exporters. Its landmark deals with Poland, worth over $12 billion, have already delivered K2 main battle tanks, K9 self-propelled howitzers, and FA-50 fighter jets.

More are on the way. Other NATO countries, including Norway, Romania, and Finland, are actively considering South Korean defense platforms to modernize their aging arsenals.

So, what makes South Korean weapons so appealing?

First, there’s interoperability. South Korean systems are designed with NATO standards in mind. Poland’s swift integration of Korean tanks, howitzers, and fighter jets into its NATO-aligned forces is a perfect example.

Second, production speed. Europe’s ambition to localize defense production will take time. South Korea, with its strong industrial base and export-ready inventory, can deliver modern equipment in months, not years.

Poland received its first K2 tanks and K9 howitzers within four months of signing the deal. With the looming threat from Moscow and ongoing uncertainty from Washington, this speed is crucial.

Third, South Korea’s defense sector is known for its cost-effectiveness. Its weapons systems offer high quality at competitive prices, making them an attractive option for many countries.

Additionally, South Korean companies often include technology transfer agreements that enable local production in the purchasing country. This not only accelerates acquisition timelines but also strengthens the domestic defense industry.

For instance, Poland’s deal with South Korea includes the local production of K2 tanks and K9 howitzers, with full-scale manufacturing set to begin in 2026 under the K2PL designation.

Bipartisan Support of K-Defense

On top of these advantages, the South Korean government provides strong bipartisan backing for its defense exports. “K-Defense” exports surged under the liberal Moon Jae-in administration and have continued to thrive under the conservative Yoon Suk-yeol government.

Even during a temporary leadership gap, former Acting President Choi Sang-mok emphasized the importance of expanding K-Defense exports to Europe.

Lee Jae-myung, the leading liberal presidential candidate after Yoon’s impeachment, has also voiced support for expanding defense exports.

This bipartisan consensus underscores the long-term sustainability of K-Defense as a key area of cooperation between Europe and South Korea.

Challenges Ahead

Of course, challenges remain.

The EU’s defense financing prioritizes local industries, and European alliance politics often favor regional solidarity.

For example, Norwegian politician Masud Gharahkhani pointed out that the decision to choose German tanks over Korean ones was not driven by capability differences but by the desire to maintain intra-European defense cooperation.

However, South Korean industries have shown a willingness to provide technology transfer, helping the European defense industry grow while benefiting Korean companies.

Some European countries may still hesitate to shift away from US defense systems, especially given Europe’s vulnerability without US military support, despite growing frustrations.

But the sentiment is shifting. From Denmark to Germany, European officials are increasingly disillusioned with the unpredictability of US foreign policy. As one Danish lawmaker put it after purchasing the US-made F-35: “Buying American weapons is a security risk we cannot run.”

Geopolitical Alignment

There is also a geopolitical incentive for Europe to deepen ties with South Korea. While North Korea continues to support Russia with munitions and troops, South Korea has firmly aligned with the West.

It has provided humanitarian aid to Ukraine and supplied key military systems to NATO allies. Both South Korea and Europe are democratic, export-oriented economies facing authoritarian neighbors, which creates fertile ground for deeper cooperation — not just in conventional arms, but also in cybersecurity, nonproliferation, and strategic technologies.

Shared values and security interests could bring these distant partners closer than ever before.

South Korea is stepping up not only as an arms supplier but as a trusted partner that shares common threats and values with Europe. Its defense offerings, backed by robust performance, fast delivery, and interoperability, position it to help bridge Europe’s growing security gap.

For a continent caught between urgent military needs and unreliable American leadership, strengthening ties with South Korea could help shape Europe’s uncertain future.

As US commitment to European defense wavers, Seoul may find itself not just a supplier but a strategic linchpin in Europe’s evolving security architecture.