On Korea: Academic Paper Series
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On Korea: Academic Paper Series 2013About On Korea: Academic Paper Series
In December 2006, KEI initiated our Academic Paper Series in which we commission up to 10 papers per year with diverse perspectives on original subjects of current interest to Korea watchers. This year-long program provides both leading Korea scholars and new voices from around the world to speak and write on trends and events affecting the Korean peninsula.
Author: Richard Weitz
Region: Asia
Theme: Economics, Inter-Korean, Foreign Relations, Security, Politics
Location: Korea, North, Korea, South
Published November 11, 2013
Since the end of the Korean War, the United States has been the largest supplier of defense systems to the Republic of Korea (ROK). The imperative of maintaining military interoperability with the U.S. armed forces often proved a decisive factor for ROK decision makers. However, ROK officials have tried to increase the amount of military equipment, technology, and services that South Korea acquires from non-U.S. sources, with a priority given to domestic suppliers.