The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced on the 24th that it has approved Hanwha Aerospace's application to possess one K9A1 self-propelled howitzer, marking the first case since the implementation of the defense materials self-production and ownership system.
The defense materials self-production and ownership system allows defense companies to directly possess defense materials for export promotion or research and development purposes.
The legal framework was established through an amendment to the Defense Acquisition Program Act in July last year.
Until now, defense companies had to borrow military equipment for export promotion, demonstrations for overseas customers, and research and development activities.
DAPA explained that this approval enables the company to directly possess the weapons system, allowing for faster performance testing and modification or development for export purposes.