In an interview Dr Lakhvinder Singh, Director of Peace Programme at Asia Institute in Seoul, South Korea said, “India and Korea working together has the potential to change the tide of time and help build a new regional order which protects our economic and security interests. But unfortunately our policy makers and diplomats do not completely realise the full potential of this partnership.” A sad truth honestly expressed.

Just mentioning a few potential opportunities in the A&D Sector against many others that exist. Korean ammunition manufacturer such as Poongsan corporation and the 155 mm K9 Samsung Aerospace Industries together could explore the opportunity that corporatisation of the Ordnance factory Board may offer. Several other opportunities for co production of Small Arms, Fuzes, Armoring, etc are also possible.
The 3,000-ton KSS-III (Jangbogo–III-class) diesel-electric attack submarines built at the Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering is an excellent fit for the Indian Navy’s P75(I) program.
For marine shipbuilding Hyundai could buy Reliance Naval for less than a US$ 1 billion and leverage this facility to become the lead shipyard of the world beating the Chinese.
The KUH-1 utility helicopter is a potential fit for the 125 NUH acquisition program of the Indian Navy.
The government has considerably improved the Ease of Doing Business regimen in the A&D industry, invited 74% FDI through automatic route, liberalised licencing, brought in a more industry friendly DPP 2020 etc.
There can be no better time than now to develop the India – South Korea partnership further.
A professional joint task force to chart out a plan to develop A&D cooperation is the need of the hour.

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