Vice President and Director of International Affairs, Netherlands Defense Industry Association (NIDV)
Former CEO of World Class Aviation Academy Formerly in charge of fighter aircraft business for the Royal Netherlands Air Force
On June 8, 1999, the Ministry of National Defense began a new chapter in international defense industry cooperation with the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) and treaties for South Korea and the Netherlands defense industry cooperation.
This laid the groundwork for future collaborations, culminating in a significant moment on November 17, 2022, when South Korea and the Netherlands announced a joint statement on the establishment of a strategic partnership, further solidifying the foundation for defense cooperation between the two countries.
These historic moments have become key milestones in leading global cooperation in the defense sector.
The Netherlands, with its advanced technology and innovative R&D, has established a strong position in the global market, leading in areas such as folding technology for foldable phones, communication standards like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, and optical technology.
Despite its small size, covering only 20% of South Korea's land area and with a population of 17 million, the Netherlands has been able to achieve technological superiority thanks to the active role of research institutes and universities providing the source of technology, supported by solid cooperation between the government and companies.
Additionally, the Netherlands, in collaboration with Germany, will lead an air and missile defense exercise in 2025 known as JPOW (Joint Protect Optic Windmill), in which the South Korean military has agreed to participate as an observer nation.
Last year, on June 8, 2023, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) of South Korea and the Netherlands' Defense Materiel Information Technology Command (COMMIT) signed a revised Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) related to the defense industry between South Korea and the Netherlands.
650 companies in the Netherlands Participation in the defense industry
The Netherlands has approximately 650 companies participating in its defense industry, with around 350 actively engaged. Prominent research 
institutions like the Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) and the Netherlands Aerospace Centre (NLR) play a pivotal role in the technological advancement of the Dutch defense industry.
Further Cooperation
To expand this close defence cooperation between the two countries, the Netherlands runs the Partnership for International Business (PIB) programme, which involves a total of 14 institutions and companies, including the aforementioned TNO and NLR. Through this programme, a roadshow for business matching and site visits between Korean and Dutch defence companies will be held in Changwon, Gyeongnam and Sacheon in April, which is expected to open a new chapter of technical exchange and cooperation between the two countries.
Lastly, the Netherlands established an attaché in Hanoi in November last year, and Dutch Defence Minister Leo Snel is actively engaged in bilateral defence cooperation. This reflects the will of both countries to continue to expand exchanges and cooperation in defence and defence-related fields. As such, defence cooperation between Korea and the Netherlands continues to develop based on the technological prowess and innovation of both countries. As two countries that share common values, we will continue to develop our bilateral relations through exchanges and cooperation in defence and defence-related fields.