Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup conducts defense ministerial meeting with Malaysian counterpart and attends FA-50 contract ceremony

—The export of FA-50s serves as a significant boost to defense industry collaboration between Korea and Malaysia

During his visit to Malaysia to participate in the Langkawi International Maritime & Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) 2023 on May 23 (Tuesday), Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup engages in a bilateral meeting with Malaysia's Defense Minister Utama HJ. Mohamad Bin Hasan. The two ministers discuss potential areas of cooperation in defense and the defense industry. Minister Lee also attends the final agreement ceremony for the FA-50.

Minister Lee acknowledges that the export* of FA-50 to Malaysia has significantly contributed to enhancing bilateral defense and defense industry cooperation. He expresses the Korean government's keen interest and commitment to supporting further collaboration in the defense industry, including exports of FA-50s.

Furthermore, Minister Lee emphasized the importance of Minister Mohamad Hasan's continued interest and support in facilitating the engagement and enhanced involvement of Korean defense companies in Malaysia's endeavors to bolster its military capabilities. This includes the upcoming second phase of procuring light combat aircraft* and acquiring a littoral mission ship (LMS).*

Minister Lee participated in the concluding agreement signing event* for the FA-50s and visited the Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) booth at the exhibition. He emphasized that defense industry exports have been designated as a key governmental priority, and affirmed the government's commitment to providing extensive support, such as adjusting delivery schedules, easing regulations, and offering financial and logistical assistance. The objective is to facilitate the expansion of K-defense industry exports to a wider range of countries.