Defense Export Regulation Reform Takes Effect — Faster Approvals and Extended Exemptions

Amendments to the Defense Project Act and National Defense Science and Technology Innovation Promotion Act took effect on July 1, streamlining Korea's defense export process. Key changes include extending export license exemptions for maintenance spare parts from 2 to 5 years, shortening DAPA's technology transfer contract approval period from 2 months to 1 month, and simplifying documentation requirements. The reforms aim to support Korea's rapidly growing defense export pipeline, projected to reach $37.7 billion in 2026.