South Korea is intensifying its efforts to increase defense exports to Iraq, with the aim of deepening its strategic partnership in the Middle East and strengthening its competitive position in the global arms market. In this context, active negotiations are underway to supply Iraq with a wide range of military equipment, from helicopters to fighter jets and advanced air defense systems.
Defense Expo in Baghdad Hosts Critical Talks
According to an official statement made by South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) on April 23, these important talks were held during the IQDEX 19 defense fair held in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq, from April 22 to 2025. The fair is a critical platform that brings together government defense officials in the Middle East region and the world’s leading defense industry companies.
According to DAPA, Ko Hyung-seok, head of the Helicopter Program Department, who was part of the South Korean delegation, discussed comprehensive military cooperation with senior officials from the Iraqi Ministry of Defense. The main agenda items of the talks included the potential sale of South Korea's multi-purpose utility helicopter KUH-1 Surion, South Korea's domestically produced fighter jet project and mobile air defense platforms.
Current Agreement Forms Foundation for New Collaborations
The basis for these new talks is a major agreement signed between South Korean defense giant Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Iraq in December 2024. The agreement includes the delivery of two KUH-1 Surion helicopters and operational maintenance facilities for these helicopters to Iraq. The total value of the agreement is reported to be 135,8 billion South Korean won, or approximately $101 million. However, a DAPA official said that the interest shown by the Iraqi side has significantly exceeded the scope of this initial agreement. This shows the potential for Iraq to obtain more comprehensive defense procurement from South Korea.
IQDEX 2025: Showcase of South Korean Defense Giants
The International Defense Exhibition IQDEX, held in Baghdad, is considered an important meeting point for defense decision-makers and global defense companies in the Middle East. This year's event also featured leading South Korean defense industry companies such as KAI, LIG Nex1 and Hyundai Rotem. According to DAPA's statement, these companies effectively showcased South Korea's advanced military products and their reliability to potential Middle Eastern buyers during the fair. South Korea's active participation in the fair is considered a clear indication that the country wants to play a more active role in the regional defense market.
“K-Defense” Strategy and Middle East Partnerships
South Korea is increasingly establishing itself as a competitive supplier in global arms markets through its strategic defense export initiative, known as “K-Defense,” drawing on its existing partnerships in the Middle East. The country has been steadily expanding its defense presence in the Middle East, supplying a wide range of military equipment to regional countries, from armored vehicles to advanced missile systems. This new and potentially more comprehensive cooperation with Iraq is a key part of South Korea’s “K-Defense” strategy and is expected to contribute to the country’s rise in the global defense market.
