Expert calls for stronger defense industrial cooperation with U.S.

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Expert calls for stronger defense industrial cooperation with U.S.

Published: 11 Oct. 2024, 10:39 Updated: 11 Oct. 2024, 11:11

Yu Ji-hoon, an associate research fellow at the state-run Korea Institute for Defense Analyses' Center for Security and Strategy, speaks during a press meeting organized by Hanwha Defense USA, a subsidiary of South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace Co. in Washington on Thursday. [YONHAP]

A Korean government researcher pointed to U.S. export controls as a "primary" hindrance to expanding bilateral defense industrial cooperation on Thursday, stressing the need for regulatory reforms to streamline technology sharing and ensure more "efficient" industrial collaboration.

During a press meeting, Yu Ji-hoon, an associate research fellow at the state-run Korea Institute for Defense Analyses' Center for Security and Strategy, raised the issue of the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, which limits the transfer of sensitive defense technologies.

"While these regulations are essential to preventing the proliferation of advanced military technologies, they can slow down or complicate collaborative efforts between the two nations," Yu said during the meeting organized by Hanwha Defense USA, a subsidiary of Korea's Hanwha Aerospace Co.

"Reforms to ITAR — such as creating exceptions for trusted allies like Korea — could further streamline the sharing of advanced technologies and make cooperation more efficient," he added.

The researcher said that to overcome regulatory obstacles, the two countries could explore "tailored" bilateral agreements to allow more "flexible" and "secure" technology transfers.

He also underscored the need to address a challenge related to intellectual property (IP) protection, saying that it is critical to establish robust IP protection frameworks and explore joint IP ownership models.

"Clear agreements on how shared technologies will be used, developed, and safeguarded are essential to promoting deeper collaboration and encouraging joint projects," he said.

Noting that Korea's focus on developing homegrown defense capabilities could at times conflict with U.S. industry interests, Yu proposed the idea of joint ventures between Korean and U.S. defense companies, which he said would allow both countries to share expertise, resources and production responsibilities.

"By addressing these challenges through regulatory reforms, stronger IP protections, and strategic alignment, the U.S. and Korea can expand their defense partnership," he said. "This will not only enhance both nations' defense capabilities but also contribute to strengthening regional and global security."

The researcher expressed hopes for future cooperation between the two countries in the maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) field, saying it would help strengthen their military readiness and interoperability, enhance the alliance's cohesion, contribute to regional security and promote supply chain resilience.

"As both countries face common security challenges, MRO cooperation contributes to maintaining collective defense capabilities at peak readiness, acting as a deterrent to adversaries," he said.

"The presence of U.S. assets stationed in Korea for MRO operations further strengthens this deterrent effect. It signals the U.S.' long-term commitment to the region, discouraging potential aggressors by showcasing the capability to maintain and deploy forces rapidly."

Expectations have been growing for closer defense industrial cooperation between Korea and the U.S.

Seoul and Washington signed an arrangement in November to prioritize the supply of defense materials and goods to each other. They have also been seeking to ink a reciprocal defense procurement agreement designed to curtail trade barriers.

Yonhap