The Republic of Korea (ROK) has established a robust defense industry, actively engaging in security cooperation by providing defense systems to countries facing security threats. While these countries are currently focused on acquiring weapon systems, future cooperation is expected to shift toward addressing sustainment challenges, especially in areas like Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO). This paper examines whether the ROK is prepared to provide adequate security cooperation to countries responsible for maintaining ROK-developed weapon systems. Drawing on the U.S. experience, which has engaged in comprehensive security cooperation through defense transfers to its allies and partners, this study explores the role of the Total Life Cycle Support Management (TLCSM) system, established in the 1990s. Since 2010, the U.S. has implemented the Product Support Manager (PSM) system, where dedicated personnel accumulate expertise by leveraging data and experiences in both acquisition and sustainment. While ROK has made continuous improvements in its lifecycle management systems since 2009, the anticipated rise in operations & support (O&S) demands necessitates a deeper examination of the U.S. PSM model to ensure expertise and reliability. This paper argues that the PSM must be empowered with sufficient authority to integrate and coordinate internal and external stakeholder inputs and influence long-term sustainment strategies. By adapting lessons from the U.S. PSM system, the ROK can develop an institutional framework that facilitates efficient resource allocation and timely support to its allies and partners, ultimately contributing to the further development of its defense industry base.
Jin et al. (Thu,) studied this question.