President Lee Jae-myung on Sunday proposed upgrading the current defense cooperation between Korea and NATO — which centers on trading weapons systems — to a "Korea-NATO Defense Industry Partnership 2.0" that would involve jointly researching, producing and operating weapons systems, at a NATO defense forum.
Speaking in a keynote address at the fourth session of the NATO defense forum held at the Ankara Convention Center in Türkiye, Lee said, "Just as International Energy Agency member states jointly manage strategic petroleum reserves and respond together to energy crises, I hope we can build together a way for such wisdom to be demonstrated in the defense industry as well."
Lee assessed that "today we are living in an era of uncertainty in which geopolitical conflicts have become the norm, having passed through the period of stability in the international order that persisted after the Cold War." He added, "The military use of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), drones and robots has become a key factor determining the outcome of wars." He continued, "Along with producing weapons quickly and stably, how firmly we can maintain global supply chains has become the essence of deterrence," and said, "The research institutes that develop advanced technology and the industrial sites that produce weapons are now becoming the frontlines of national security."
In particular, Lee stressed that "the Republic of Korea possesses the conditions of trust," saying, "NATO and the Republic of Korea share the memory of a horrific war, and are partners who have together defended the values of democracy, freedom and peace amid a grave security environment." He said, "If the Republic of Korea's stable production capacity and proven technological prowess as a trustworthy partner are combined with NATO's long-standing know-how, the security capabilities of both sides will become far stronger than they are now."
He went on to say, "The more uncertain the times, the bolder our actions must be and the faster our cooperation must take place," and proposed that "we must boldly expand joint research on advanced technology." He stressed, "The process of researching and developing together is the surest way to align technological standards and share the direction of innovation."
He also added, "I hope we plan and pursue more joint research programs, like NATO's ammunition and space cooperation programs in which Korea participates."
