Brazilian aerospace firm Embraer and South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) have embarked on a significant partnership aimed at enhancing cooperation in defense manufacturing, technology exchange, and market development. This collaboration was formalized through the signing of a memorandum of understanding, which outlines plans to explore new business opportunities and reinforce the industrial relationship between Brazil and South Korea.
The agreement intends to facilitate the entry of Korean defense firms into Embraer’s global supply chain while supporting South Korea’s broader initiative to bolster its defense exports. Air Force Brigadier General Kang Joong-hee, who heads DAPA’s Aircraft Business Division, characterized this cooperation as a transformative shift from a basic buyer-seller dynamic to a framework that emphasizes mutual growth and benefits for both nations.
This new agreement builds upon an already solid foundation between DAPA and Embraer, which has been strengthened further since Seoul’s selection of Embraer’s C-390 Millennium transport aircraft for its Large Transport Aircraft program in 2023. The C-390 is expected to be customized for the Republic of Korea Air Force, including specialized configurations and training support tailored to meet the specific needs of South Korea’s military.
DAPA plays a critical role in South Korea’s defense modernization strategy and is responsible for overseeing military procurement and promoting the nation’s defense industry on the global stage. In recent years, DAPA has evolved into a pivotal player in South Korea’s emergence as a formidable global arms exporter. The agency has successfully negotiated substantial export agreements involving advanced military hardware, such as K2 Black Panther tanks, K9 self-propelled howitzers, and FA-50 light fighter jets, with several nations, including Poland, Egypt, and the Philippines.
Additionally, in early 2025, DAPA initiated a collaborative effort with Hanwha Aerospace and Norway’s Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace to co-develop advanced missile systems, further highlighting South Korea’s commitment to expanding its defense capabilities while fostering international partnerships. The partnership with Embraer signifies another important step in DAPA’s mission to innovate and enhance South Korea’s armament production and export potential.
