South Korea is stepping up its push to expand defense exports to Iraq, signaling a deeper strategic ambition to strengthen its presence in the Middle East arms market. On April 23, South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced that high-level talks were held with Iraqi defense officials on the sidelines of the IQDEX 2025 defense exhibition in Baghdad. The discussions centered on expanding military cooperation and supplying a wider array of advanced South Korean military equipment to Iraq, including helicopters, fighter jets, and air defense systems.
The meeting, led by Ko Hyung-seok, head of DAPA’s helicopter program division, reflects Seoul’s growing commitment to build long-term defense partnerships with Iraq. These latest talks build upon a foundational deal signed in December 2024, under which Iraq agreed to purchase two KUH-1 Surion utility helicopters and related maintenance infrastructure from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). That agreement, valued at approximately 135.8 billion won (about $101 million), marked the first sale of Surion helicopters to Iraq and was seen as a strategic foothold in a growing market.
Now, according to DAPA, Iraq has expressed interest in expanding the deal significantly.
The KUH-1 Surion is a domestically developed multirole helicopter used by South Korea’s military for troop transport, search-and-rescue, and other utility missions. For Iraq, a country still rebuilding and modernizing its armed forces after years of conflict and foreign intervention, the Surion offers a flexible platform that can fill multiple operational gaps.
Yet, Iraqi defense officials appear eager to go further. Discussions at IQDEX 2025 included the potential acquisition of South Korea’s domestically produced fighter jets—likely the FA-50 light combat aircraft—and mobile air defense systems. These additions would mark a significant step up in capability and demonstrate Iraq’s intent to diversify its defense procurement beyond its traditional suppliers like the United States and Russia.
Ko’s meetings in Baghdad indicate that Seoul is positioning itself not only as an arms vendor but as a strategic partner willing to offer integrated solutions, training, and sustainment packages.
“We are seeing strong interest from Iraq in a range of our defense platforms,” a DAPA official told reporters. “This builds on our recent delivery agreement and opens up opportunities for broader cooperation in aviation, air defense, and potentially land systems.”
The International Defense Exhibition in Baghdad (IQDEX) is one of the most significant defense shows in the Middle East, bringing together military officials, policymakers, and industry leaders from across the region. Held this year from April 19 to 22, the event offered South Korea a valuable platform to showcase its expanding defense industry.
Major Korean defense firms including KAI, LIG Nex1, and Hyundai Rotem participated, displaying a broad range of products from armored vehicles to guided missile systems. DAPA said the exhibition allowed these companies to present South Korea’s military capabilities and technological reliability directly to Iraqi and other Middle Eastern buyers.
The timing is strategic. With Iraq’s military still undergoing restructuring and modernization, and with regional defense budgets increasing in response to instability and geopolitical rivalries, Seoul sees an opportunity to fill gaps with affordable and reliable equipment. Moreover, South Korean arms are often seen as cost-effective alternatives to U.S. or European systems, particularly for nations looking to diversify their military suppliers while avoiding over-reliance on any single country.
South Korea’s effort in Iraq is part of a broader initiative known as “K-Defense,” aimed at transforming the country into a top-tier global arms exporter. The strategy seeks to leverage South Korea’s domestic technological expertise, manufacturing efficiency, and growing international credibility in military systems.
While Asia and Europe have been primary markets for Korean arms exports, the Middle East has increasingly emerged as a high-priority region. In recent years, South Korea has signed major deals with countries like the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, providing everything from anti-aircraft missile systems to self-propelled howitzers.
The Iraq outreach reflects a logical extension of this strategy, given the country’s growing defense needs and openness to new suppliers.
“K-Defense is not just about selling hardware,” said Dr. Park Jong-min, a defense analyst at Seoul’s Institute for Strategic Studies. “It’s about building long-term relationships, providing logistical support, offering co-production where possible, and embedding South Korean defense firms into the operational ecosystems of partner countries. Iraq is an emerging partner in that context.”
For Seoul, these engagements have strategic as well as commercial value. Building defense ties with Iraq allows South Korea to broaden its diplomatic footprint in a region that plays a key role in global energy markets and geopolitical balancing.
Moreover, arms sales often come with political and security implications. Defense cooperation with Iraq could position South Korea as a stakeholder in regional stability efforts, opening doors for future collaboration in counterterrorism, training, and reconstruction initiatives.
On the Iraqi side, partnerships with South Korea offer an alternative to traditional alliances. Iraq’s military procurement history has been shaped by dependence on U.S. arms and, to a lesser degree, Russian and Iranian systems. But geopolitical pressures and maintenance challenges have pushed Baghdad to explore new suppliers. South Korea offers a middle ground—advanced systems with fewer strings attached.
A former Iraqi military official, speaking anonymously, said that Iraq values the technical support and flexibility offered by South Korean firms. “We are looking for partners who understand our needs and can deliver reliable systems with ongoing support,” he said. “South Korea has shown a willingness to work with us closely, not just sell us products and walk away.”
One of the most likely candidates for Iraq’s next purchase from South Korea is the FA-50 light combat aircraft. Developed by KAI in partnership with Lockheed Martin, the FA-50 is a lightweight, multirole fighter capable of air-to-air and air-to-ground operations. It has gained international traction for its affordability, low maintenance footprint, and compatibility with NATO-standard munitions.
Already in service in countries like the Philippines, Indonesia, and Poland, the FA-50 would provide Iraq with a cost-effective platform for both defense and training missions. Its versatility and relatively short delivery time have made it one of South Korea’s top export products.
In addition, South Korean mobile air defense systems—such as LIG Nex1’s Cheongung II (KM-SAM)—could fill a critical gap in Iraq’s ability to defend against aerial threats, including drones and low-flying missiles. As conflicts in the region increasingly involve unmanned systems and asymmetric tactics, air defense capabilities are seen as essential.
Despite the momentum, several challenges remain. Iraq’s procurement processes can be slow and bureaucratic, and the country’s political instability has often delayed defense modernization plans. Financing is another hurdle, as Iraq continues to rebuild its economy amid fluctuating oil revenues and internal security concerns.
Still, the interest from both sides appears serious. Follow-up meetings and technical discussions are expected in the coming months, with DAPA indicating that it will maintain active communication with Iraqi counterparts to refine potential agreements.
South Korea’s success in Iraq could serve as a model for similar outreach across the Middle East and beyond. As global arms competition intensifies, Seoul is betting that its mix of advanced technology, flexible partnerships, and strategic diplomacy will set it apart.
“Iraq is a gateway,” one senior South Korean defense official said. “If we succeed here, it opens doors to the wider region.”
