President Lee Jae-myung proposed a 'Korea-NATO Defense Industry Partnership 2.0' at the NATO Defense Industry Forum in Ankara, Turkey on July 7 (local time), calling for expanded cooperation beyond weapons trading to include joint research, production, and operation of defense systems. Lee stated that South Korea and NATO must elevate current defense cooperation to encompass joint development of advanced technologies. The proposal comes amid intensifying geopolitical conflicts and growing importance of defense industry collaboration in maintaining global security.
![Lee Jae-myung delivers keynote speech at NATO Defense Industry Forum in Ankara]()
President Lee Jae-myung delivers keynote speech at NATO Defense Industry Forum in Ankara Convention Center on July 7 (local time). Photo: Yonhap News
Lee Proposes Joint Research and Development Expansion
Lee stated in his keynote address that South Korea and NATO should move beyond current weapons system transactions to jointly research, produce, and operate defense systems. "The Republic of Korea proposes to NATO several initiatives to advance toward a safer world," Lee said. "We must elevate current defense industry cooperation, which focuses on weapons system transactions, to 'Korea-NATO Defense Industry Partnership 2.0' that encompasses joint research, production, and operation of weapons systems."
Lee emphasized the need to expand joint research and development centered on advanced technologies. "We must boldly expand joint research of advanced technologies," Lee said. "I hope we will plan and pursue more joint research programs, similar to NATO's ammunition and space cooperation programs in which South Korea participates." Lee added, "Just as International Energy Agency member countries jointly manage strategic oil reserves to respond together to energy crises, I expect such wisdom to be demonstrated in defense industry as well."
Lee Highlights Defense Industry's Role in National Security
Lee diagnosed that the importance of defense industry cooperation is growing amid intensifying geopolitical conflicts in the international landscape. "Today, we live in an era of uncertainty where geopolitical conflicts have become constant, having passed the period of stability in the international order that continued since the Cold War," Lee said. "In an era of uncertainty, actions must be bolder and cooperation must be achieved more quickly."
Lee explained that military applications of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, and robots have become key factors determining the outcome of wars. "Producing weapons, along with how firmly we maintain the global supply chain, has become the essence of deterrence," Lee said. "Wars are no longer decided only on the battlefield — research labs and industrial sites producing weapons have become the front lines of national security. This is an era where the defense industry base itself determines a nation's survival, and the reason we must discuss cooperation today."
Lee Emphasizes Trust as Foundation for Defense Cooperation
Lee presented 'trust' as a prerequisite for defense industry cooperation. "For cooperation to demonstrate true strength, what must be secured along with technology and production capacity is trust," Lee said. "Without confidence that supply will not be interrupted under any circumstances, and belief that core technologies will be safely protected, cooperation cannot exist."
Lee stated that South Korea possesses the conditions for such trust. "NATO and South Korea share memories of devastating war and are partners who have jointly protected the values of democracy, freedom, and peace amid severe security environments," Lee said. "Based on this trust, South Korea's defense industry has continued close cooperation with many NATO allies across the Atlantic and Eurasia, including Poland, Germany, France, Romania, and Norway. Protecting democracy, freedom, and peace is not the responsibility of any single country. The Republic of Korea will be the most trustworthy partner."
FAQ
What did President Lee Jae-myung propose at the NATO Defense Industry Forum on July 7?
President Lee Jae-myung proposed a 'Korea-NATO Defense Industry Partnership 2.0' at the NATO Defense Industry Forum in Ankara, Turkey on July 7 (local time). Lee called for elevating current defense cooperation beyond weapons system transactions to include joint research, production, and operation of defense systems, with emphasis on expanding joint research and development of advanced technologies.
Why did Lee Jae-myung emphasize trust as a prerequisite for defense industry cooperation?
Lee stated that trust is essential for cooperation to demonstrate true strength, alongside technology and production capacity. Lee explained that cooperation cannot exist without confidence that supply will not be interrupted under any circumstances and belief that core technologies will be safely protected. Lee emphasized that South Korea and NATO share memories of devastating war and are partners who have jointly protected the values of democracy, freedom, and peace.
