South Korean Private Military Company Black Iron to Introduce Military Tactical Training and Advanced Defense Technologies to Thailand
A South Korean private military company, Black Iron, is set to introduce military tactical training and advanced defense technologies to Thailand. This follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Thailand’s Defence Technology Institute (DTI) and positive feedback from the Thai Minister of Defence. On April 30th, Black Iron signed the MOU with DTI to collaborate on military tactical training and defense industry cooperation. The signing ceremony, held at DTI’s headquarters in Nonthaburi, Thailand, was attended by Erik Ku, CEO of Black Iron, Komson Prapunkarn, Acting Director-General of DTI, and Reywat Manawatao, CEO of local partner Raystorm. This agreement focuses on applying cutting-edge Korean defense equipment and technology in Thailand, jointly developing and implementing military training programs and simulations, and hosting a small-scale defense exhibition showcasing Korean companies. Established in 2009 under the Thai Ministry of Defence, DTI aims to enhance Thailand’s defense production capabilities, globalize its defense industry, innovate defense technologies, and develop defense science and technology policies. Additionally, on May 2nd, Black Iron presented its military training programs and advanced Korean defense materials and technologies during a meeting with Thai Minister of Defence Sutin Klungsang at the Ministry of Defence in Bangkok. Minister Sutin expressed significant interest in Black Iron’s training programs and instructed his chief aide to review their potential adoption through each Royal Thai military chief of staff. The meeting also included discussions on state-of-the-art Korean defense technologies and equipment, such as simulators and unmanned aerial vehicles, initiating procedural steps for their potential adoption. Minister Sutin, who met with Korean Defense Minister Shin Won-sik in late March, had previously expressed his desire for Korean involvement in Thailand’s military modernization. According to Black Iron, this marks the first time a private Korean military training program will be exported to Thailand. Founded last year, Black Iron specializes in military tactical training and provides consulting for the defense equipment and construction of training facilities. Leveraging the expertise of CEO Eric Ku and instructors from Republic of Korea special forces, the company has been offering tactical training to special forces, police, and SWAT teams both domestically and internationally. The MOU with DTI serves as a stepping stone for Black Iron’s foray into the overseas market, with specialized tactical training for the Royal Thai Air Force Special Operations Regiment scheduled for later this year. CEO Eric Ku, a former special forces member, established the Korea Krav Maga Association (KKM) in 2012, promoting Krav Maga close combat techniques to military, police, and civilian sectors in Korea. He has trained numerous elite units and agencies, including the Special Warfare Command, 707th Special Mission Group, Military Police Battalion, Defense Counterintelligence Command, SWAT teams, riot police, National Police Agency, Presidential Security Service, and Military Police Special Operations Unit. Internationally, Black Iron operates branches in the US and Indonesia and has trained leaders from the US, Israel, Austria, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia. Ku stated, “Through this MOU, we aim to be recognized globally as a leading Korean private military company. We seek to create a mutually beneficial partnership with the Thai Ministry of Defence, setting a precedent for future cooperation.” 박원중 기자 (park.wonjun.ja@gmail.com)military technologies military training military company defense technologies
