Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup holds meeting with Malaysian Defense Minister Mohamad Hasan

Called for the involvement of Korean companies in Malaysia's project to enhance its military capabilities

Agreed to a contract for the export of 18 FA-50 aircrafts

Committed to providing extensive support, including regulatory relaxation and financial assistance.

PI Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup and Malaysian Defense Minister Mohamad Hasan are captured in a photograph on May 23 during the bilateral talks and FA-50 fighter contract signing ceremony. The event took place in Langkawi and was reported by Han Jae-ho.

During his visit to Malaysia to attend the Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2023, Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup engaged in a bilateral meeting with his Malaysian counterpart, Defense Minister Mohamad Hasan. The meeting, held on May 23 (local time), focused on exploring avenues of collaboration between the two nations in the fields of defense and the defense industry.

At the meeting, Minister Lee Jong-sup acknowledged the significance of exporting FA-50s to Malaysia, as it has served as a crucial catalyst for enhancing bilateral cooperation in defense and the defense industry. He expressed the Korean government's keen interest and commitment to providing support for defense industry collaboration, including exports of FA-50s.

For the initial phase of their program to acquire Light Combat Aircraft/Fighter Lead-In-Trainers (LCA/FLIT), the Royal Malaysian Air Force chose Korea Aerospace Industries' FA-50s. In February, they formally signed a contract to purchase 18 FA-50s for approximately USD 920 million. The meeting included a final agreement ceremony to mark the completion of the procurement process.

Minister Lee urged Defense Minister Mohamad Hasan to show interest and offer support for increased involvement of Korean defense companies in Malaysia's military expansion projects. This includes the second-phase acquisition of 18 light combat aircraft and a 3,200-ton Littoral Mission Ship (LMS).

Minister Lee conveyed that the Korean government's Indo-Pacific strategy, aiming for freedom, peace, and prosperity, relies on inclusive, confident, and reciprocal cooperation among nations. He underscored the importance of expanding cooperation in the defense sector to advance these goals.

Furthermore, Minister Lee requested Malaysia's backing for Korea's bid to host the 2030 Busan World Expo. He also proposed Defense Minister Hassan's participation in the Seoul Defense Dialog (SDD) in October and the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2023 as avenues for further engagement and cooperation.

Minister Hassan underscored the significance of cooperation in promoting peace and prosperity in the region, urging Korea to actively participate in ensuring stability in Southeast Asia.

The two ministers exchanged gifts as a gesture of friendship, with Minister Lee presenting a replica of earrings discovered in Korean royal tombs, and Minister Hassan offering a handcrafted frame adorned with a traditional Malaysian pattern.

Subsequently, Minister Lee participated in the concluding ceremony for the FA-50 aircraft contract signing and visited the booths of Korean defense companies at the exhibition, where he provided encouragement to the staff members involved. He also engaged in discussions with representatives of international companies regarding the promotion of defense industry exchanges and cooperation.

Minister Lee evaluated, "The FA-50 export contract ceremony signifies an advancement in defense industry collaboration between Korea and Malaysia, and will exert a favorable influence on the subsequent agreement with Malaysia and future negotiations with other nations." He emphasized, "The government has prioritized defense industry exports by designating them as crucial government objectives and will extend maximum support, including flexible delivery schedules, regulatory facilitation, and financial and logistical assistance."

By Hyun-woo, Seo <lgiant61@dema.mi.kr>

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