South Korea's Defense Startup Sector Surges to $30 Billion Industry Amid Global Conflicts

South Korea's defense sector has grown into a $30 billion industry, with the country becoming the ninth-largest global arms exporter. Startups producing experimental weapons for modern warfare are emerging alongside established players like Hanwha Aerospace and Korea Aerospace Industries. Nearthlab won a $10 million contract for its KAiDEN anti-drone system with a Middle Eastern country. Gaming company Krafton partnered with Hanwha Aerospace to combine AI capabilities with manufacturing. The government unveiled an initiative to foster 100 defense startups by 2030, capitalizing on the ability to produce NATO-standard weapons cheaper and faster than Western rivals.