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

On July 7 (local time), President Lee Jae-myung proposed upgrading defense industry cooperation with 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 the current defense cooperation—limited to arms transactions—to a 'Korea-NATO Defense Industry Partnership 2.0' where we jointly research, produce, and operate weapons systems." He suggested applying to defense cooperation the model of the International Energy Agency member states, who jointly manage strategic oil reserves to respond to energy crises.

President Lee emphasized, "We must boldly expand joint research in advanced technologies," adding, "The process of joint research and development is the most certain way to unify technological standards and share the direction of innovation." He further expressed hope that "just as Korea participates in NATO's ammunition and space cooperation programs, more joint research programs will be planned and implemented."

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 stated, "Today, we are living in an era of uncertainty where geopolitical conflicts have become constant, beyond the period of stability maintained in the international order since the end of the Cold War." He explained, "The military use of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, and robotics has become a decisive factor in determining the outcome of wars."

He went on to say, "Along with the ability to produce weapons quickly and reliably, the resilience of global supply chains has become the essence of deterrence. Wars are no longer decided only on the battlefield. Research institutes developing advanced technologies and industries producing weapons have now become the new frontlines of national security."

President Lee also stressed the importance of 'trust' in defense cooperation. He said, "Without the confidence that supplies will never be interrupted under any circumstances, and the belief that core technologies will be securely protected, true solidarity and cooperation cannot exist. The Republic of Korea possesses the necessary conditions for such trust."

Additionally, President Lee stated, "NATO and the Republic of Korea share the painful memories of war and have stood as partners upholding the values of democracy, freedom, and peace in a grave security environment." He added, "On the foundation of this trust, Korea's defense industry has grown with the cooperation of NATO allies and achieved a high degree of technological compatibility."

He continued, "If Korea's stable production capacity and proven technological prowess are combined with NATO's longstanding expertise, both sides' security capabilities will be significantly strengthened."

Meanwhile, prior to the defense forum, President Lee held a small-group meeting with representatives from the four Indo-Pacific partner countries (IP4). This is the highest-level security consultative body between NATO and its Indo-Pacific partners, and was held for the second consecutive year following the summit in The Hague 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. I appreciate your special efforts to further strengthen Korea-NATO relations." President Lee responded, "Secretary General Rutte, it is great to meet you in person after speaking a couple of times by phone."

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