Strengthening Defense Industry Cooperation Between South Korea and NATO
President Lee Jae Myung, during his visit to Ankara, Türkiye, in line with the NATO summit schedule, emphasized the need for a more advanced partnership between South Korea and NATO. On the 7th, local time, he stated, “Beyond the current defense industry cooperation where South Korea and NATO trade weapon systems, we must elevate our partnership to a ‘Korea-NATO Defense Industry Partnership 2.0’ that jointly researches, produces, and operates weapon systems.”
The president attended the “NATO Defense Industry Forum” held in central Ankara on the same day and delivered a keynote speech at the fourth session, which was themed “Shared Values, Stronger Industrial Base, and Expanded Partnership and Cooperation.” He expressed South Korea’s desire to propose several initiatives to advance toward a safer world with NATO.
Expanding Joint Research in Advanced Technologies
President Lee highlighted the importance of bold expansion in joint research in advanced technologies. He mentioned, “We hope to plan and promote more joint research programs, like NATO’s ammunition and space cooperation programs in which South Korea participates.” He also drew a parallel with the International Energy Agency, stating, “Just as member countries jointly manage strategic oil reserves and respond together to energy crises, I expect such wisdom to be applied in the defense industry.”
The Growing Importance of Defense Industry Cooperation
Notably, President Lee pointed out that the importance of defense industry cooperation has grown due to the current unstable international situation. He stated, “Today, we live in an era of uncertainty where geopolitical conflicts have become constant, moving beyond the period of stability in the international order that followed the Cold War. In times of uncertainty, actions must be bolder, and cooperation must proceed faster.”
He further explained, “The military application of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, and robots has become a key factor in determining the outcome of wars. Additionally, maintaining a robust global supply chain has become the essence of deterrence, alongside weapon production.” He continued, “Wars are no longer decided solely on the battlefield; research laboratories and industrial sites producing weapons have become the frontlines of national security. This is why we must discuss cooperation today, in an era where the defense industry itself determines a nation’s survival.”
Building Trust in Defense Industry Cooperation
President Lee emphasized that for cooperation to truly demonstrate its power, trust is as essential as technology and production capabilities. He stressed, “Cooperation cannot exist without the conviction that supplies will never be interrupted in any situation and the belief that core technologies will be safely protected.” He added, “South Korea meets the conditions for such trust. NATO and South Korea share the memory of a devastating war and have been partners in upholding the values of democracy, freedom, and peace amid a grave security environment.”
He further noted, “Based on this trust, South Korea’s defense industry has maintained close cooperation with many NATO allies, including Poland, Germany, France, Romania, and Norway, beyond the Atlantic and Eurasia. Defending democracy, freedom, and peace is not the responsibility of a single nation. South Korea will be the most reliable partner,” he reiterated.
Priorities for NATO
When asked by the moderator, “What should NATO prioritize most?” President Lee answered, “While individual European countries have small demands, bundling them can significantly increase demand. Ultimately, sustained demand management is crucial. Additionally, unifying government standards for weapon systems is important.”
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