![[단독] “Is Korea a money machine?”…This year alone, it bought 21 trillion won worth of American weapons](https://i0.wp.com/theganeys.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Fine-art-flatlay-detail-photos_0014-1024x699.jpg?fit=%2C&ssl=1 "[단독] “Is Korea a money machine?”…This year alone, it bought 21 trillion won worth of American weapons")
US high-tech weapons approved for sale in Korea
Exceeded $15.1 billion, including Apache
$4.7 billion, three times higher than Japan
Looking at the astronomical amount of weapons purchased,
Korea’s defense cost sharing ‘overflowing’
“/> news/cms/202411/20/news-p.v1.20241120.cb55ad16da0c4e2caf37846942d1c6f6_R.jpg" data-width="2364" data-height="1224" /> Enlarge photo F15K squadron maneuvering over the East Sea.
While the 47th President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, has been pressuring Korea to increase its share of defense costs, calling Korea a “money machine” since the presidential campaign period, it has been revealed that the Korean government’s approved purchase of American weapons this year amounts to 21 trillion won. .
As a result of Maeil Business Newspaper checking the website of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) under the U.S. Department of Defense on the 20th, the total volume of domestic weapons system sales approved by the U.S. to its ally South Korea this year amounted to $15.146 billion (about 21 trillion won). This amount is an ‘estimated price’ calculated by the United States during the approval process, and the final agreed price is finalized through price negotiations between the two countries.
Sales projects approved for Korea this year include ▲F-15K fighter radar modernization equipment (USD 6.2 billion, November) ▲7 E-7 airborne early warning and control aircraft (USD 4.92 billion, November) ▲36 Apache helicopters (USD 4.92 billion, November) There are a total of 5 projects, including ▲MH-60R multipurpose helicopter engine and maintenance ($350 million, March) ▲Subsonic maritime targeting system for Aegis destroyers ($176 million, March).
On the other hand, the amount of weapons purchased by Japan, which is a key ally of the United States in the Asia-Pacific region along with Korea, was approved by the United States this year at $4.723 billion (estimated value), or 32% of Korea’s.
Even considering that Japan’s purchase amount may be relatively small due to differences in the timing of approval for the acquisition of expensive weapon systems, Korea this year received approval for the purchase of weapons that outnumber Japan’s.
As of the 20th of this year, Japan has confirmed a total of four weapons purchases, the most expensive of which is the KC-46A aerial refueling tanker and related equipment (USD 4.1 billion) decided in September.
Previously, the two countries recently concluded the ’12th ROK-US Special Defense Cost-Sharing Agreement (SMA) Negotiations’, which sets the defense cost sharing for US forces in Korea for five years from 2026 to 2030.
Accordingly, Korea will bear 1.5192 trillion won in defense cost sharing in 2026, the first year, an 8.3% increase from 2025. The defense cost share borne by our government this year is 1.34 trillion won.
It is known that the two countries quickly concluded negotiations for a special defense cost-sharing agreement in preparation for the possibility of former President Trump being elected.
Former President Trump referred to Korea as a “money machine” at an interview at the Chicago Economic Club last October, about 20 days before the election, and said that if he were president, he would have made the country pay a contribution of $10 billion in exchange for the stationing of U.S. troops.
The money machine referred to by Trump is interpreted as an expression of strong dissatisfaction with Korea, which reaps a huge surplus in trade with the United States.
In relation to this, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell explained the recent SMA conclusion, saying, “Korea has signed a very generous and lenient agreement,” and “I hope the new administration will see the wisdom of this agreement.”
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This purchasing disparity.
Guest 1: Hi, I’m Jane Smith. As a defense analyst, I’ve been following the trends in Korea’s military purchases from the US closely. It’s quite evident that they’re increasing by leaps and bounds every year. The recent agreement on cost sharing also seems to be favorable for them, but at what cost? Do you think that this is an indication of a healthy defense relationship with the US or just Korea trying to exploit it?
Guest 2: Hi Jane, I’m John Doe. A former diplomat with expertise in US-Korea relations. In my opinion, this is a result of both countries’ needs and strategic interests. The US needs Korea as a strong ally in the region while Korea wants assurances against any potential North Korean aggression or Chinese encroachment. The cost-sharing agreement definitely benefits the US by providing funds for its troops stationed there, but it also serves Korea’s purpose by modernizing its military and ensuring its security.
Host: That’s an interesting perspective. I want to expand on that by talking about the comparison between Korea’s and Japan’s weapons purchases. It seems that Korea has purchased over three times as much this year, even though Japan is an equally important ally. Do you think this disparity will create tension between the two countries or raise questions about their respective defense priorities?
Guest 1: Well, Jane, the amount of weapons purchased by Korea is not arbitrary. It’s based on their perceived threats and military needs. The ongoing tensions with North Korea and China require them to maintain a strong defense posture. On the other hand, Japan’s military focus has shifted towards China’s growing influence in the region. However, it should be noted that both countries have different threat perceptions and historical contexts, which could lead to diverging defense spending patterns.
Guest 2: I agree with Jane. It’s worth noting that Japan has been increasing its defense budget gradually in recent years, and the disparity in military purchases might not create tension between these two countries. Instead, they could use this as an opportunity to coordinate their strategies and remain a united front against possible aggressors. The US-Japan alliance has been strong for decades and shouldn’t be affected by
