Seoul: Foreign troops from six countries are participating in an educational program in South Korea designed to train them on the K9 self-propelled howitzer and the K2 main battle tank, the Army announced Friday. The program aims to enhance operational and maintenance skills while fostering international military cooperation.
According to Yonhap News Agency, approximately 70 military personnel from Australia, Egypt, Poland, Romania, Turkey, and Vietnam are attending the intensive four-week program, which is scheduled to conclude on July 25. The training involves comprehensive sessions on operating and maintaining the K9 howitzer and K2 tank, alongside combined live-fire exercises and maneuvering drills with South Korean forces.
The Army revealed plans for another iteration of the training program in October, which will expand to include education on the Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher system. This initiative is part of South Korea's strategy to familiarize foreign troops with its advanced weapons systems and strengthen its position in the global defense market.
The K9 and K2 are central to South Korea's ambitions to secure a significant share of the international defense sector. The country aims to achieve a 5 percent market share by 2027, aspiring to become the world's fourth-largest defense exporter. Currently, nine countries, including Turkey, Poland, and Egypt, have procured the K9 artillery system, underscoring its growing international appeal.