▲ Lee Yong-cheol, the chief of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), speaks at a seminar in Yeouido in western Seoul on June 19, 2026, in this photo provided by DAPA. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

DAPA-defense day

S. Korea honors defense industry contributions on K-Defense Day

SEOUL, July 8 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's arms procurement agency on Wednesday held a ceremony to highlight the importance of the defense industry and honor defense industry workers for their contributions, officials said.

The K-Defense Day event was held at the War Memorial of Korea in Seoul, attended by some 300 people, including Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) Minister Lee Yong-cheol, military officials and government representatives.

K-Defense Day, which falls on July 8 each year, was designated to commemorate the day the turtle warship, or Geobukseon in Korean, developed by Adm. Yi Sun-sin of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), was deployed in combat for the first time in the late 16th century.

During Wednesday's event, the vice president of Korea Aerospace Industries introduced the development of South Korea's first homegrown KF-21 fighter jet as a successful example of the country's growth in the defense industry. The event also included an awards ceremony honoring individuals who made significant contributions to the defense sector.

"K-defense has earned recognition as a trusted security partner in the global market thanks to the dedication of defense industry workers behind the scenes and due to public support," Lee said, adding he plans to further strengthen the domestic foundation for sustainable growth of the defense industry.

(END)

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]