President Lee Proposes Upgrading Korea-NATO Defense Cooperation to Joint Research and Production

On July 7 (local time), President Lee Jae-myung proposed upgrading the mode of defense industry cooperation between the Republic of Korea and NATO allies from simple arms transactions to joint research, production, and operation.

At the NATO Defense Industry Forum held in Ankara, Turkey, President Lee stated, "I propose that we elevate our current defense industry cooperation, which has focused on trading weapon systems, to a 'Korea-NATO Defense Industry Partnership 2.0' that encompasses joint research, co-production, and joint operation of weapons systems." He suggested that the approach used by International Energy Agency (IEA) member states, who collectively manage strategic oil reserves to respond to energy crises, should also be applied to defense industry cooperation.

President Lee stressed, "We need to boldly expand joint research on advanced technologies," adding, "The process of jointly developing technologies is the most reliable way to harmonize standards and share the direction of innovation." He further expressed hope by saying, "I wish to see more joint research programs planned and promoted, as is the case with NATO's ammunition and space cooperation programs in which Korea participates."

President Lee Jae-myung is responding to a participant's question at the NATO Defense Industry Forum held on the 7th (local time) at the Ankara Convention Center in Turkey. 2026.7.7 Yonhap News Agency

President Lee said, "Today, we are living in an era of uncertainty, where geopolitical conflicts have become constant, following a period of stability in the international order since the Cold War," explaining that "the military application of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, and robotics has become a key factor in determining the outcome of wars."

He continued, "The ability to produce weapons quickly and reliably, as well as how robustly we can maintain global supply chains, has become the essence of deterrence," and analyzed, "Wars are no longer decided only on the battlefield. Research institutes developing advanced technologies and industrial sites manufacturing weapons now stand at the forefront of national security."

He also emphasized the importance of 'trust' in defense industry cooperation. President Lee stated, "True solidarity and cooperation cannot exist without the assurance that the supply will never be interrupted under any circumstances, and the belief that core technologies will always be securely protected," adding, "The Republic of Korea possesses the conditions for such trust."

Additionally, President Lee said, "NATO and the Republic of Korea share the memories of devastating wars and have been partners in upholding the values of democracy, freedom, and peace in a grave security environment," adding, "On the basis of this trust, Korea's defense industry has grown with the cooperation of NATO allies and has achieved a high level of technological compatibility."

He went on to say, "If Korea's stable production capacity and proven technological prowess are combined with NATO's longstanding expertise, the security capabilities of both sides will be significantly enhanced."

Meanwhile, prior to the Defense Industry Forum, President Lee held a small-group meeting with representatives of the four Indo-Pacific partner countries (IP4). This is the highest-level security consultative body between NATO and Indo-Pacific partner countries, and was held for the second consecutive year following the Hague summit last year.

President Lee also met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. Secretary General Rutte said, "It is a pleasure to meet you in person and thank you for attending," and added, "Thank you for your special efforts to ensure that Korea-NATO relations continue to develop strongly." President Lee replied, "Secretary General Rutte, we have spoken on the phone a couple of times and it is a pleasure to finally meet you in person."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.