SEOUL/ABU DHABI — In a historic expansion of East Asian-Middle Eastern security ties, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to pursue defense cooperation valued at over $35 billion. The agreement, announced today, February 26, 2026, by Seoul’s presidential envoy Kang Hoon-sik, represents a fundamental shift in the bilateral relationship from a “buyer-seller” dynamic to a comprehensive industrial alliance.
The $35 billion defense initiative is the centerpiece of a broader $65 billion bilateral package that also targets breakthroughs in nuclear energy and artificial intelligence. This surge in cooperation follows months of high-level diplomacy under the administration of President Lee Jae-myung, aimed at positioning South Korea as the premier non-Western partner for advanced military technology in the Gulf.
Beyond the Sale: A “Full Lifecycle” Alliance
The newly signed Defense Industry Cooperation Framework MOU outlines a strategic partnership that spans the entire lifecycle of military hardware. Rather than simple off-the-shelf purchases, the two nations will engage in:
- Joint Development & Design: Collaborative engineering for next-generation anti-air systems, advanced aviation, and maritime vessels.
- Localized Production: Plans to manufacture Korean-designed weaponry within the UAE, bolstering Abu Dhabi’s goal of indigenous industrial self-reliance.
- Comprehensive Maintenance: Establishing long-term “MRO” (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) hubs in the UAE to service the region’s aging defense fleets.
Regional Security and Integrated Air Defense
The timing of the deal is particularly significant amidst heightened Middle Eastern tensions. A primary focus of the $35 billion outlay is integrated air and missile defense. With the UAE seeking to diversify its suppliers and modernize its layered shield, South Korea’s combat-proven systems—such as the Cheongung-II (M-SAM)—are viewed as a reliable and high-tech alternative to traditional Western or Russian platforms.
“Defense cooperation can only proceed when backed by the highest level of trust,” stated Envoy Kang upon his return to Incheon International Airport. He emphasized that the deal includes provisions for jointly entering third-country markets, effectively making the UAE a regional export hub for South Korean defense technology.
The $65 Billion “Grand Vision”
While defense dominates the headlines, the total $65 billion agreement also includes:
- $30 Billion Investment Restructuring: Realignment of the UAE’s existing investment pledge to focus on AI data centers and “K-Culture” expansion.
- Nuclear Synergy: Leveraging the success of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant to collaborate on nuclear fuel supply and the integration of AI into reactor operations.
As a summit between President Lee and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan looms for May, the signing of this MOU signals the beginning of what both capitals are calling “A New Leap toward a Shared Journey.” For Seoul, it is a definitive step toward becoming one of the world’s top four global arms exporters by the end of the decade.
