Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA)The Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) plans to establish a nuclear-powered submarine project plan within the year by utilizing the capabilities for the Korean submarine industry, accelerate the acquisition of unmanned systems and deploy the three-axis system forces, including the KF-21 fighter and long-range artillery interceptor. This was revealed during a presidential briefing for the second half of 2026 that the DAPA held on August 5 together with the Ministry of National Defense and the Military Manpower Administration. In addition, the DAPA will secure the capabilities necessary for the transfer of wartime operational control, as well as core forces such as artificial intelligence (AI) and manned/unmanned systems, in a timely manner. Furthermore, the DAPA plans to manage public vessel orders through a government-wide consultative body, promote integrated procurement of warships and coast guard vessels, and expand the achievements of defense R&D into civilian applications such as disaster response. It plans to enter the shipbuilding market and strengthen cooperation with the U.S. in MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul), participate in the European defense supply chain, and actively pursue export orders targeting Southeast Asia and South America.