(December 15, 2009) SEOUL–South Korea has exported US$1.1 billion worth of defense items so far this year and is expected to achieve its annual target by year’s end, Seoul’s weapons procurement agency said Tuesday.

South Korea last year exported over $1 billion worth of defense products for the first time in its history. The country set a goal of US$1.2 billion for this year.

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said in a statement this year’s exports included submarine systems and airplane components while the top buyers were the U.S., Germany and Indonesia.

South Korea is aiming to reach exports of US$3 billion in 2012, with its president professing earlier this year that the goal is to become one of the world’s 10 largest defense exporters.

The country plans to increase its weapons sales by promoting its indigenous training jet T/A-50, as well as its next generation main battle tank K-2, DAPA officials said.

Yonhap News Agency