Seoul’s Defense Acquisition Program (DAPA) released a statement that South Korea and Saudi Arabia signed a memorandum on defense cooperation to further arms sales between the two countries. Both South Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik and Saudi Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman Al Saud were present when the agreement, also known as the “future-oriented strategic partnership” according to Shin, was signed. According to the agreement, a joint committee will be formed for weapons systems research, development, and cooperation. South Korea is looking to increase its weapon exports to the Middle East to become one of the world’s largest weapon suppliers and increase its revenue. Shin and Abdullah bin Bandar Al Saud, the Saudi Arabian National Guard minister, also discussed defense partnerships and working on bilateral military cooperation.
South Korea and Saudi Arabia’s memorandum on defense cooperation is important because it will strengthen the ties between South Korea and Saudi Arabia and benefit both their economies. The memorandum also signifies South Korea’s decision to try and become the world’s largest weapon supplier which may lead to them making defense cooperation agreements with other countries in the Middle East in the near future. The agreement will also help further Saudi Arabia’s military power by providing them with access to advanced equipment and weapons at a low cost. Saudi Arabia and South Korea have a history of trade deals for weapons like rocket launchers and ammunition. The deal could have negative effects on South Korea’s partners in the Western Hemisphere who may not support the acquisition of weapons in certain countries in the Middle East.
The deal with South Korea can be looked at as Saudi Arabia furthering their military and border security interests by acquiring better weapons to protect their autonomy and territorial integrity. Saudi Arabia may also be looking to acquire weapons in order to have regional dominance over some of their opponents, like Iran. The Middle East is considered a shatter-belt region, meaning that the region is deeply divided because of a power struggle between realm powers and emerging realm powers as well as different ideologies and religions. As a result of the Middle East’s status, it may be beneficial for Saudi Arabia to take advantage of the military and technological advantage that would come with making deals with South Korea.