As Washington seeks reliable partners to stabilize global defense supply chains, South Korea is stepping into new territory – with Algeria, one of Africa’s largest defense buyers, turning to Korean companies for advanced weapon and aerospace systems.
At the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX 2025) last week, Algerian Defense Chief Gen. Saïd Chanegriha met with top executives from Kia, LIG Nex1, and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) to discuss cooperation in areas such as guided missiles, electronic warfare, and military vehicles.
For South Korea, the talks highlight growing demand for its defense technology beyond Asia and Europe. Korean companies have built a strong reputation for delivering high-performance, cost-effective systems – an appeal for nations looking to modernize without relying solely on U.S. or European contractors.
For the United States, the trend underscores a shift among allies and partners: countries aligned with Washington’s security interests are increasingly trading with each other in defense hardware, expanding a network of “trusted suppliers” that could support global stability without direct U.S. involvement.
Algeria, which recently boosted its defense budget to $2.5 billion, is pursuing new partnerships to modernize its military and strengthen border security. The meetings with Korean firms suggest that Seoul’s defense industry is emerging as a credible alternative supplier in regions where demand for advanced yet affordable systems continues to rise.
