DAPA chief says Hanwha's bid for KAI will be examined closely on national security and national interest grounds

Defense Acquisition Program Administration Minister Lee Yong-cheol told the National Assembly audit on October 13, 2026 that a potential Hanwha takeover of Korea Aerospace Industries has both advantages and drawbacks and that it would be premature to set a direction, adding that any move would be closely examined in terms of national security and the national interest. Hanwha Group holds 15.89 percent of KAI after the Korea Fair Trade Commission cleared its stake increase in late August, while the Export-Import Bank of Korea remains the largest shareholder with 26.41 percent. Under the Defense Acquisition Program Act a change of control at a designated defense contractor requires approval from the Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy, and KAI's labor union marched on the National Assembly on October 14 in opposition.