[비즈한국] Poongsan103140, a company renowned for its ammunition production, is currently pursuing the export of 81mm mortar shells to Lebanon, a Middle Eastern nation currently engaged in war. Some have raised concerns that exporting weapons to Lebanon could create a diplomatic burden with Israel, potentially leading to negative consequences for national interests.
Recently, Poongsan initiated efforts to export 81mm mortar shells to Lebanon. Upon receiving the preliminary approval request, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) is currently carrying out legal and administrative procedures. It is understood that they are reviewing the situation, including external relations and the circumstances of the destination country, in coordination with relevant government agencies. Under the Defense Acquisition Program Act and the Foreign Trade Act, major defense items must go through a preliminary approval process before final export authorization is granted to ensure the exports do not jeopardize national security.
During a recent parliamentary inspection of DAPA by the National Assembly's National Defense Committee, DAPA Commissioner Seok Jong-gun stated that the agency is internally reviewing Poongsan's request for preliminary export approval for Lebanon. Commissioner Seok noted that the quantity requested by the company is 12,000 rounds, and the delivery timeline remains uncertain. He added, "There was a similar request back in the 2000s. It reached the preliminary approval stage, but it was cancelled by Lebanon due to various circumstances, including an explosion accident."
In response, Representative Kim Byung-joo of the Democratic Party of Korea, who serves as the ranking member of the opposition party, expressed concern that exporting lethal weapons to Lebanon could worsen diplomatic relations with Israel. Representative Kim remarked, "Exporting weapons to a country at war could very likely lead to 'being penny-wise and pound-foolish.' Exporting to Lebanon could sour our relationship with Israel and lead to a significant diplomatic fallout." Currently, Israel is causing severe damage to military facilities and leadership across Lebanon in an effort to destroy the foundations of the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.
Criticism is also directed at Poongsan for pursuing exports to Lebanon despite the diplomatic risks. Concerns have been raised regarding the potential for the mortar shells to be leaked or seized. Even if the weapons are sold to the Lebanese government, there is a high probability that they could be seized by Hezbollah, the militant group that holds effective military power in Lebanon.
Another issue is the de facto military alliance between Hezbollah and North Korea; Hezbollah has received numerous weapons from the Korea Mining Development Trading Corporation, a company known for North Korean arms exports. North Korean-made weapons have been discovered in Hezbollah's underground tunnels in southern Lebanon. With six North Korean personnel reportedly dispatched to Hezbollah to assist with tunnel excavation technology, there is also the possibility that mortar technology could eventually be leaked to North Korea.
The 81mm mortar is a curved-fire weapon that can be carried by infantry and is a key weapon system in ground warfare. It has significant range, sufficient accuracy and firepower, and a high rate of fire. Most importantly, due to its characteristic high angle of fire that renders cover useless, it is a formidable threat to infantry. Its simple structure makes it easy to operate, and both production and maintenance costs are relatively low. It is primarily used as a support weapon at the company or battalion level.
A defense industry official explained, "For the government, the mere news of exporting lethal weapons to Lebanon is bound to be a significant diplomatic burden. It could lead to a loss of trust in future dealings with other countries that do not recognize militant groups like Hezbollah. For the company, if this leads to a decline in revenue and damage to its corporate image, it could prove to be a painful loss."