President Lee Jae Myung Proposes Enhanced Korea-NATO Defense Collaboration
During his visit to Türkiye to attend the NATO summit, President Lee Jae Myung of South Korea proposed a new initiative aimed at strengthening defense industry cooperation between South Korea and NATO. On July 7 (local time), he delivered a keynote speech at the fourth session of the NATO Defense Industry Forum, one of the key events of the summit. In his address, he emphasized the need to move beyond current defense industry partnerships focused on weapon system transactions and instead establish a “Korea-NATO Defense Industry Partnership 2.0.” This new partnership would involve joint research, production, and operation of weapon systems.
President Lee expressed hope that this initiative could lead to more collaborative research programs similar to those currently being pursued by NATO in areas such as ammunition and space. He highlighted the importance of collective efforts in protecting democracy, freedom, and peace, stating, “It is not the responsibility of a single nation.” He also pledged that South Korea would be the most reliable partner in these endeavors.
The president emphasized that South Korea’s defense industry has grown significantly through cooperation with NATO allies and has achieved high technical compatibility. He noted that combining South Korea’s stable production capabilities and proven technological expertise with NATO’s long-standing experience could greatly enhance the security capabilities of both sides. With 32 member states, NATO accounts for 55% of global defense spending and represents the largest defense market. Increasing defense budgets is expected to be a major topic of discussion at the summit.
Since 2022, South Korea has been invited to the NATO summit as part of the Indo-Pacific Partner 4 Nations (IP4), alongside Japan, Australia, and New Zealand. This marks President Lee’s first attendance at the summit since taking office.
Upon arriving in Ankara on July 7, President Lee met with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte to discuss ways to strengthen Korea-NATO cooperation. He also held small-group discussions with representatives from the IP4 nations. Following the defense industry forum, he attended an official welcome dinner hosted by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and his spouse.
On July 8, the final day of the summit, President Lee is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with key countries. One of the most anticipated meetings is potentially a separate session with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Key Points from the Summit
- New Partnership Initiative: President Lee proposed a “Korea-NATO Defense Industry Partnership 2.0” to foster joint research, production, and operation of weapon systems.
- Collaborative Research Programs: He expressed interest in expanding joint research initiatives, similar to NATO’s existing programs in ammunition and space.
- Collective Responsibility: Emphasized that protecting democracy and peace is a shared responsibility, not just that of one nation.
- Technical Compatibility: Highlighted South Korea’s growing defense industry and its compatibility with NATO allies.
- Global Defense Market: NATO represents 55% of global defense spending, making it a significant player in the defense sector.
- IP4 Participation: South Korea has been part of the IP4 group since 2022, alongside Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.
- Diplomatic Engagements: President Lee met with NATO officials and IP4 representatives upon arrival in Ankara and attended a formal welcome dinner hosted by the Turkish president.
Upcoming Events
- Bilateral Meetings: President Lee is set to hold one-on-one meetings with key countries during the final day of the summit.
- Potential Meeting with U.S. President: A potential separate meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump has drawn considerable attention.
