The forum was held as part of the Allies in Ankara programme on the sidelines of the NATO Summit. Hanwha said the discussions focused on Europe’s defence industrial transformation and long-term industrial resilience.
Jacek Cyrek, President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace Europe, said the company was continuing to support Europe’s defence industrial base through long-term industrial partnerships, local production and technology cooperation. “The security environment is evolving at an unprecedented speed. New technologies, emerging threats, and shifting geopolitical realities are reshaping the way we think about defence, deterrence, and resilience,” Cyrek said in his opening remarks.
“Technology delivers its greatest value when it is built on trust, shared purpose, and strong partnerships. That is why our vision extends beyond platforms and systems. We are committed to strengthening sovereign capabilities, fostering industrial cooperation, and contributing to a stronger and more resilient NATO ecosystem,” he added.
Hanwha Aerospace said it continues to expand its European industrial network through localisation, industrial investment and long-term partnerships. The company said the approach is intended to strengthen sovereign defence capabilities and support Europe’s broader defence industrial resilience.
The strategy is already being implemented through localised manufacturing and technology transfer in Poland and Romania. Hanwha said it is also expanding industrial partnerships across the Nordic region and Western Europe.
During the panel session, participants highlighted the growing strategic importance of cooperation between NATO Allies and Indo-Pacific partners. The discussion reflected the increasingly connected security environment between Europe and the Indo-Pacific.
The discussion also highlighted South Korea’s role as a trusted defence industrial partner. Hanwha said this role supports both immediate capability requirements and long-term industrial resilience.
The South Korean government called for a new phase of Korea-NATO defence industrial cooperation. In his keynote address at the NATO Defence Industry Forum, President Lee JaeMyung proposed a “Korea–NATO Defence Industry Partnership 2.0” focused on joint research, co-development, co-production and long-term industrial collaboration.
Lee said combining NATO’s decades of operational know-how with South Korea’s proven technology and reliable production capacity would strengthen the security of both Europe and the Indo-Pacific. The proposal follows Hanwha’s stated “Built with Europe, for Europe” vision, which emphasises localisation, industrial cooperation and stronger European defence supply chains.
Separately, Hanwha Aerospace co-hosted a networking reception with the Munich Security Conference and the Atlantic Council on the sidelines of the NATO Summit. The event brought together representatives from NATO institutions, Allied governments, defence companies, think tanks and international media.
Hanwha said the reception provided another platform to exchange views on Europe’s defence industrial transformation. It also supported dialogue with key stakeholders across the transatlantic defence community.
