At the edge of the bustling industrial city of Changwon in southern South Korea, a groundbreaking shift in global geopolitics may be taking shape. Workers at the Hanwha Aerospace factory, the country’s largest defense contractor, are meticulously assembling components for a next-generation air defense system—the “Cheongung” or Sky Arrow. This system, a domestically produced equivalent to the US Patriot missile system, could one day play a pivotal role in Ukraine’s fight against Russian aggression.
However, South Korea’s longstanding policy of avoiding direct involvement in active conflict zones stands as a barrier. Yet, recent allegations that North Korea has sent troops to support Russia in its war with Ukraine have intensified discussions in Seoul about potentially supplying weapons to Kyiv—a move that would mark a significant shift in South Korea’s defense posture.
South Korea’s military-industrial complex has long focused on readiness against its immediate adversary, North Korea. The Korean Peninsula remains technically at war since the 1950-53 Korean War ended in a truce, not a peace treaty. This unique context has shaped the nation’s defense strategies and policies, with Seoul emphasizing deterrence and self-reliance.
Yet, this careful stance is under review. Speaking earlier this month, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol hinted that his country’s defense policies might adapt in response to increased North Korean involvement in Ukraine. “We are not ruling out the possibility of providing weapons,” he said, adding that any initial deliveries would likely focus on defensive systems.
Among these, the Cheongung air defense system stands out. During an exclusive tour of the Hanwha Aerospace facility, senior manager Jung Sung-young described the Cheongung as “similar to the US Patriot missile system,” emphasizing its utility in intercepting drones and missiles—a critical need for Ukraine as it defends itself from sustained Russian missile strikes targeting infrastructure and civilian areas.
The Cheongung air defense system is designed to intercept and destroy aerial threats such as ballistic missiles and drones, much like Israel’s Iron Dome. Its potential deployment in Ukraine could fill gaps in the country’s defensive network, bolstering its ability to protect energy infrastructure and civilian areas from relentless Russian missile barrages.
“Counteroffensives require stability in the rear zones,” explained Han Kwon-hee of the Korea Association of Defence Industry. “Systems like the Cheongung will help Ukraine hold off Russia’s offensives by intercepting drones and missiles flying deep into their territory.”
The system’s production reflects South Korea’s high-quality defense manufacturing standards, which Jung highlighted as competitive with those of Western nations. This reputation has been instrumental in South Korea’s rise as a global arms supplier, with ambitions to become the world’s fourth-largest exporter of military equipment.
The war in Ukraine has indirectly catalyzed growth in South Korea’s defense industry. Hanwha Aerospace, once primarily known for land-based weaponry, has seen its global reputation soar due to heightened demand for its advanced systems. The company’s operating profit skyrocketed by 450% year-on-year in the latest quarter, reaching $343.3 million.
This surge is largely attributed to major arms deals with NATO allies like Poland and Romania. South Korea has supplied K9 Howitzers and Chunmoo missile systems to these countries, underscoring its growing influence in global arms markets.
Seoul has also sold 155mm artillery shells to the United States under agreements that specify American military use. Experts believe such arrangements allow Washington to indirectly supply these munitions to Ukraine, enabling South Korea to support Kyiv without overtly violating its policy of avoiding direct involvement in conflict zones.
Beyond the Cheongung, other South Korean weapons systems could significantly bolster Ukraine’s military capabilities. The Chunmoo guided missile system, for example, offers a striking range of 290 kilometers—enough to hit Pyongyang from South Korea’s border. Military analysts suggest this system could also provide Ukraine with the offensive capabilities it needs to counter Russian aggression effectively.
“What Ukraine urgently needs to turn the war in its favor are offensive weapons like Chunmoo missiles and K9 Howitzers, capable of inflicting significant damage on the enemy,” said Choi Gi-il, professor of military studies at Sangji University.
The K9 Howitzer, a self-propelled artillery system, has been lauded for its precision and firepower. It is already in use by several European armies, further solidifying South Korea’s reputation as a leading arms exporter.
If South Korea decides to send weapons directly to Ukraine, it would not only be a significant policy shift but also a move with profound geopolitical consequences. Experts believe it could strengthen Ukraine’s defenses and offensive capabilities while escalating tensions in East Asia, where South Korea already faces significant security threats from North Korea.
President Yoon has made it clear that any arms deliveries would depend on “the level of North Korean involvement” in Ukraine. North Korea’s reported deployment of troops to support Russia could push Seoul toward greater involvement, especially as the United States and NATO allies continue to pressure South Korea to contribute more directly to the international coalition supporting Ukraine.
South Korea’s potential decision comes as part of a broader realignment in global defense cooperation. Washington has prioritized air defense deliveries to Kyiv, with Patriot systems playing a central role in countering Russian missile barrages. If South Korea joins the fray with its Cheongung systems, it could alleviate pressure on Western manufacturers and accelerate Ukraine’s access to critical defense technologies.
Moreover, South Korea’s ambitions to become a top-tier arms exporter align with its potential involvement in Ukraine. Already, Seoul has demonstrated its ability to produce advanced weaponry at scale, a capability that has caught the attention of NATO and other global powers.
The decision to supply arms to Ukraine ultimately hinges on Seoul’s assessment of North Korea’s involvement in the conflict and its broader strategic interests. For now, the Cheongung and other systems remain part of a growing arsenal that showcases South Korea’s capability to influence global security dynamics.
As veteran welders at the Hanwha Aerospace factory continue to craft the cylinders for the Cheongung system, Beethoven’s Fur Elise plays softly over the in-house speaker—a poignant reminder of the delicate balance South Korea must strike between its domestic policies, global ambitions, and the harsh realities of war.
