“For over ten years, he dedicated himself to research and development, grappling with the difficulties of mass production and prevailing skepticism about domestic development. Through sheer determination and strong commitment, he succeeded against all odds.＂

[News Today=Kim Han-kyung, Security Reporter] Founded in 1986, YoungPoong Electronics stands as a giant in the defense industry, with over 35 years of experience. The company is a living testament to K-Defense, having played a pivotal role in leading a critical sector of the Korean defense industry for decades.

Over the years, the company has developed a range of essential technologies and key products for domestic weapon systems, with a particular emphasis on precision control and signal processing. Their innovations in drive power controls are pivotal for achieving ultra-precise control in advanced defense applications．

By preparing a diverse range of products and committing to continuous technological innovation, YoungPoong Electronics is well-equipped to tackle any variables and difficulties that may arise. Their strategic development efforts ensure they can leverage existing technologies and products to overcome challenges. 

With a background in electronics engineering, CEO Ryu Ha-yeol has dedicated a significant portion of his career to the defense industry, where he has worked for many years as an exception to his mandatory military service.

In an interview with News Today, CEO Ryu Ha-yeol reflected, “Every time we overcame a difficulty, we used that success as a driving force to tackle the next challenge. The path of R&D alone takes more than 10 years, and there are no guarantees of mass production success. Additionally, domestic products often face prejudice, making the journey extremely challenging. Yet, with indomitable will, we managed to persist and succeed. 

He said, ‘For example, the development of anIntegrated Standby Instrument took less than two years, but its standardization process extended over seven years. Despite the lengthy and challenging journey, we persevered and achieved successful localization'.

YoungPoong Electronics has over 30% of its employees working in research and development, with a focus on a wide range of business sectors and product categories, including land, sea, air, guided weapons, and navigation system. 

YoungPoong Electronics has over 30% of its employees working in research and development, with a focus on a wide range of business sectors and product categories, including land, sea, air, guided weapons, and navigation system.

Among these, the ISI, the first navigation system developed in the country, is currently applied to aircraft, such as helicopters, and recently, the company also successfully developed navigation system for land and maritime use, positioning itself on the brink of market entry. 

The company also offers various missile drive control and launchers, such as Chunmoo, as well as guided weapons products．The company achieved sales of 65 billion won last year by developing and supplying a variety of products to system integrators.

KAI had difficulties in developing the ISPU with Eurocopter in a previous endeavor. However, the company entered the market later on and achieved success. 

Following successful development, multiple flight tests were carried out in order to secure airworthiness certification for the ISI, with each test costing 23 million won. In the end, it was considered appropriate for use, completely replacing previously imported items.

The company has exceptional technical expertise and competitive manufacturing and quality standards, reflecting its motto of 'Creativity, Sincerity, and Harmony and is working towards becoming a prominent player in the global defense industry by actively pursuing opportunities in the US and the Middle East, utilizing their expertise and cutting-edge technology. 

To enhance their international marketing efforts, they have set up a specialized team for overseas business and are currently hiring professionals, in addition to having the latest production facilities and testing equipment.

The company is also registered as a partner of defense giants such as Hanwha Defense, Korea Aerospace Industries, Hyundai Rotem, STX Engine, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering, Hyundai Heavy Industries, Hanjin Heavy Industries, and LIG Next 1.  In 2017, the company received the Presidential Commendation at the Defense Quality Management Award Ceremony, in 2018, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration's Commendation for Localization of Defense Parts and Excellent Research and Development, and in 2020, the Defense Technology Quality Director General's Award at the Munitions Field Quality and Technology Innovation Competition.

YoungPoong Electronics, having established partnerships with leading domestic defense firms and consistently earning high marks in government evaluations, is now attracting interest from foreign companies seeking potential collaboration. 

As a result, the company entered into a partnership with Lockheed Martin, a global defense company, in January 2019 through an MOU.

YoungPoong Electronics aims to become a leading provider of military products for the global defense sector, with a current focus on research and development in drives, turret systems, power and mission system, avionics, human-machine interaction (HMI), and sensor applications. 

CEO Ryu stated that in the field of research and development, there is a need to increase opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses to participate autonomously, rather than as subordinates to larger companies.

Ryu, who has extensive experience in the defense industry and takes pride in supporting national defense, is hopeful that the DAPA's SME promotion system will be successful. He emphasizes the importance of creating a defense industry ecosystem where both system manufacturers and suppliers can benefit mutually in the end. 

We anticipate a new direction for the defense industry under the leadership of CEO Ryu Ha-yeol, who has faced many challenges with unwavering determination.