With the export of the K9 self-propelled howitzer, one of South Korea's main defense industry export products, to Vietnam, some people are concerned about the leakage of technology to North Korea.
According to local media reports, Vietnam has signed a contract with KOTRA (Korea Trade Investment Promotion Agency) to deploy about 20 K9 self-propelled howitzers (approximately 350 billion won at the current rate), but this is the first time it is being exported to Vietnam.
During the Vietnam War, North Korea sent its air force, and until the mid-1970s, Vietnam and North Korea were considered "blood allies." As Vietnam began its open policy in 1986 and established diplomatic relations with South Korea in 1992, it gradually distanced itself from North Korea. However, there is still communication between defense officials of the two countries, maintaining diplomatic relations. Due to the K9 self-propelled howitzer's better accuracy than the publicly specified standards during the 2010 Yeonpyeong Island shelling, North Korea might approach Vietnam to obtain relevant information. North Korea also has the same class M2018 (Chonma 107) self-propelled howitzer, but the K9 has a decisive advantage in automation and accuracy.
However, South Korean defense industry and experts stated, "The possibility of technical leakage of the K9 (due to the export to Vietnam) is extremely low. The contract includes clauses prohibiting transfer to third countries, procedures for confirming actual receipt, and special clauses for maintaining technical security.
A official from a defense-related company said, "In order to prevent the disassembly and reverse engineering of the K9 self-propelled howitzer (a method by which the manufacturing methods and blueprints are investigated), sealing measures and maintenance are only contracted by South Korean technicians.
Another official said, "Vietnam is also aware that violating the contract terms may make future cooperation in the defense industry difficult. Vietnam, which wants to introduce South Korean air defense weapon systems and expand shipbuilding-related cooperation, will abide by the contract.
There is also an opinion that other countries importing the K9 self-propelled howitzer also have diplomatic relations with North Korea, so they would not view Vietnam differently. Among the 10 countries that have deployed the K9, only Estonia has established diplomatic relations with South Korea, while Turkey, Egypt, and Poland also have diplomatic relations with North Korea.
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1841525474786380/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.