India and South Korea on Wednesday signed two memorandums of understanding (MoUs) related to self-propelled air defence systems and directed energy weapon systems, which include high-power microwaves and laser beams. The agreements were signed during Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's visit to Seoul, a defence source told TOI.
Make in India Focus
Both future-oriented projects have a strong make-in-India focus, the source said. The two agreements were signed between India's Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and South Korea's Hanwha Co Ltd. According to a ministry statement, the pacts are expected to facilitate enhanced collaboration between the defence industries of both countries and promote technology cooperation and capacity building.
Previous Collaboration
Hanwha and L&T had earlier collaborated to provide the Indian Army with 100 K9 Vajra-T 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzers under a 2017 contract. Subsequently, an additional order for 100 more howitzers was finalised.
Bilateral Discussions
Rajnath Singh and South Korea's Minister of National Defence, Ahn Gyu-back, held bilateral discussions, reviewed defence cooperation, and discussed ways to further expand collaboration. Both sides acknowledged the growing convergence between India's Act East Policy and South Korea's regional strategic vision. They reiterated their commitment to strengthening defence ties in line with the shared objectives of maintaining a free, open, inclusive and rule-based Indo-Pacific.
