Defense chief inspects arms supply chain amid Mideast war

▲ Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back visits defense firm LIG Defense & Aerospace (D&A) Co. in Daejeon, about 140 kilometers south of Seoul, on April 10, 2026, in this photo provided by his office. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)

defense chief-supply chain

Defense chief inspects arms supply chain amid Mideast war

SEOUL, April 10 (Yonhap) -- Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back on Friday visited a key precision-guided missiles and weapons manufacturer to inspect the impact of the Middle East war on the domestic arms industry, his office said, amid growing uncertainties over oil prices and the global supply chain.

During his visit to LIG Defense & Aerospace (D&A) Co., Ahn was briefed on the impact of the war on the arms industry supply chain and received feedback on possible measures to help stabilize the supply chain amid the prolonged crisis, according to the defense ministry.

"Uncertainties over global oil price and supply chains are growing due to the impact of the war in the Middle East," Ahn said, underscoring the need for the government, companies and relevant institutions to share information and seek joint measures.

"The arms industry is the bastion of national security and core driving force for growth," he said, urging a thorough response for the smallest issues regarding supply chains and pledging government-wide support to maintain the arms industry supply chain in a stable manner.

LIG D&A is the manufacturer of the Cheongung II mid-range surface-to-air missile system, known to have successfully intercepted Iranian missiles in the United Arab Emirates.

South Korea seeks to become the world's fourth-largest defense exporter by 2030.

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