S Korea to spend $5.4 bln on defense goods in first half of 2009

Special Report:Global Financial Crisis

SEOUL, Dec. 31 (Chinese media) -- South Korea will spend over 7 trillion won (5.4

billion U.S. dollars) in the first half of next year on purchasing weapons or

other defense articles to help boost the economy, the Defense Ministry said

Wednesday.

"The ministry decided to take measures to help the country overcome the

economic crisis as it understands an economic recovery is a prerequisite to

building a strong, advanced military," said Defense Minister Lee Sang-hee in his

report to the president.

The amount accounts for over 60 percent of the ministry's budget for next

year that is earmarked for domestic purchases, it said.

The ministry will seek to increase the country's defense exports to 1.2

billion U.S. dollars, up 20 percent from 1 billion U.S. dollars this year, it

said.

The ministry's new year goals also include efforts to strengthen the

country's military alliance with the United States, it said.