South Korea's defense exports reached $3.6 billion in 2014 the largest since 2006 0301152.

The 2014 figure is the largest since 2006 when the procurement agency was established. That year, the total export volume came to $250 million, according to the DAPA.

Major deals South Korea won last year include a $1.2 billion order from the Royal Malaysian Navy to build six corvettes in November and a $420 million contract with the Philippines in March to export 12 FA-50 fighter jets.

"We expect this year's volume to soar to $4 billion as South Korea has been pushing further to make inroads into the overseas defense market with diverse, high-tech-based items," a DAPA official said, asking not to be named.

In May 2014, Philippines has signed a deal in which it will acquire 12 FA-50 fighter jets from South Korea in an attempt to bolster its military power.

South Korea increased its exports from $0.3 billion to $0.6 billion in 2013 and by 2015 it will be exporting $1.5 billion a year in defense equipment. This will likely supplant some of the major Western companies in the process.

In December 2014, Samsung Techwin Co. has signed a contract with Poland's defense ministry in Korea to export K-9 self-propelled howitzers. The total export value is estimated at about $320 million according the KoreaTimes website.

In 2011, Samsung Techwin sold 350 K-9 howitzers to Turkey on a technology transfer basis, which called for the firm to provide parts and technology.