Korean Defense Big Four Profits Projected at ₩7.5 Trillion in 2026

defense industry earnings Hanwha Aerospace Hyundai Rotem KAI LIG Nex1 record profits

Combined operating profits for Korea's four major defense contractors — Hanwha Aerospace, Hyundai Rotem, KAI, and LIG Nex1 — are projected to reach ₩7.5 trillion ($5.5B) in 2026, up from ₩5.2 trillion in 2025. Combined revenue is forecast to hit ₩50.6 trillion ($37.4B), adding more than ₩10 trillion in a single year. Hanwha Aerospace posted record earnings driven by strong ground weapon sales, while Hyundai Rotem's revenue is expected to surge 30% on K2 export momentum.