South Korea's defense industry confronts structural challenges in global arms markets despite record exports, as political and diplomatic factors increasingly trump technological superiority in determining major contract outcomes.

South Korea's defense industry confronts structural challenges in global arms markets despite record exports, as political and diplomatic factors increasingly trump technological superiority in determining major contract outcomes. Recent setbacks illustrate this reality. A Lockheed Martin and Korea Aerospace Industries consortium withdrew from the U.S. Navy's Undergraduate Jet Training System program, valued at approximately 40 billion dollars, after requirement changes eliminated carrier landing capabilities that favored the T-50 trainer. Domestic sourcing mandates under the Buy American Act further weakened the bid. Similar patterns emerged across multiple regions. In Australia's frigate program, Japanese bidder Mitsubishi Heavy Industries prevailed with strong government backing.