Uzbekistan is eyeing Korean defense manufacturers as it looks to expand its arsenal.
Deputy Director of the Defense Industry Agency Igamnazarov Ishmuradovich expressed interest in several weapon systems from South Korean firms SNT Dynamics, Poongsan, and Korea Defense Industry (KDI) during an exhibition in the country, according to a report by Chosun Biz.
Ishmuradovich reportedly asked how soon SNT Dynamics could deliver its new 120mm wheeled mortar system mounted on a light tactical vehicle.
The mortar, which will begin trial use with the South Korean Marine Corps next year, is designed to replace the aging 107 mm system and offers greater mobility across rugged terrain.
Uzbek officials followed up with a tour of SNT Dynamics’ plant in Changwon, where they continued discussions on potential acquisitions.
Tashkent is reportedly seeking dozens of wheeled mortars and hopes to eventually integrate similar systems on locally produced vehicles after acquiring technical know-how.
Uzbekistan Tapping Foreign Military Suppliers
Uzbekistan has actively broadened its defense partnerships over the past year, engaging with foreign manufacturers to modernize its armed forces and build local industrial capacity.
In January 2025, it signed an agreement with Turkish Aerospace Industries to acquire ANKA combat drones along with training and ground-station support.
This marked the Central Asian country’s entry into the domain of unmanned vehicles.
In 2024, US-based Sierra Nevada Corporation clinched a $64.2-million deal to restore and maintain the Uzbekistan military’s Pilatus PC-12 cargo aircraft.
In the aerial domain, Uzbekistan is also shifting from traditional Russian suppliers as reports indicate that it is negotiating the acquisition of China’s JF-17 Block 3 multirole fighters.
