**South Korea Poised to Supply Advanced Weaponry to Bolster Ukraine's Defense Efforts**

South Korea's defense manufacturers, LIG Nex1 and Hanwha Vision, are poised to supply the Raybolt Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs) to Ukraine in a critical move aimed at supporting Ukraine's depleting stock of Javelin missiles. The small initial consignment of Raybolts will not only alleviate the current missile shortage Ukraine faces but also provide a crucial opportunity for the manufacturers to benchmark their product against the established Javelin system on the battlefield. Furthermore, if the Raybolt demonstrates significant wartime efficacy, it could enhance sales prospects for LIG Nex1 and Hanwha Vision in the global arms market.

Another essential component in the package is the Chiron man-portable surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. Capable of infrared homing and deployment with smaller troop sections, the Chiron SAM system can combat low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and aerial drones. This versatility is invaluable in bolstering Ukraine's short-range air defense capabilities, particularly against threats such as Moscow's drones and cruise missiles. The ongoing war has necessitated every possible enhancement to Ukraine's Integrated Air Defense System (IADS), and the Chiron SAM system could play a significant role in this endeavor.

Romania's recent decision to purchase the Chiron SAM underscores its combat effectiveness and serves as a testament to its appeal to other nations looking for cost-effective defense solutions. The potential success of the Chiron SAM in Ukraine's defense could lead to increased demand for South Korean defense exports within Europe, further reinforcing Ukraine's position on the battlefield.

In parallel, the focus on ammunition supply remains crucial. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to a munitions production factory in Pennsylvania in September 2024 highlights the prioritization of replenishing ammunition stockpiles. South Korea, with its robust military-industrial complex, has demonstrated its capability to supply large quantities of ammunition—such as the 550,000 155mm artillery shells sent to the U.S. last year, which subsequently allowed Washington to support Kyiv. With a stockpile of approximately 3.4 million 105mm shells, South Korea is in an excellent position to assist Ukraine further.

Both the Raybolt ATGMs and Chiron SAMs are classified as defensive weapons with limited offensive range, making their export politically feasible for South Korea. However, for Ukraine to shift the momentum decisively in its favor, it may require more potent "dessert" weapons like the Hyunmoo-1A and Hyunmoo-2A ballistic missiles. These guided land-attack missiles, with ranges of 180km and 300km respectively, could deliver significant blows to Russian infrastructure, altering the course of the war.

Given the current geopolitical context and the critical need for effective defense solutions in Ukraine, South Korea's provision of a comprehensive military aid package—including ATGMs, SAM systems, and essential ammunition—could prove to be a game-changer. South Korea's actions not only bolster Ukraine's defense but also position Seoul as a formidable force in the global arms market, in line with President Yoon's vision of positioning the ROK among the world's top four arms suppliers by 2027.