Hanwha Aerospace Reinforces Commitment to Europe’s Defence Industrial Transformation

ANKARA, July 8, 2026 – As NATO Allies step up efforts to strengthen defence industrial capacity and resilience amid rising security challenges, Hanwha Aerospace has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to supporting Europe’s defence industrial transformation.

Speaking at the NATO Defence Industry Forum panel session in Ankara, held as part of the Allies in Ankara programme on the sidelines of the NATO Summit, Jacek Cyrek, President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace Europe, highlighted the company’s continued efforts to help strengthen 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 continues to expand its European industrial network through localization, industrial investment, and long-term partnerships that strengthen sovereign defence capabilities while contributing to Europe’s broader defence industrial resilience. This strategy is already being implemented through localized manufacturing and technology transfer in Poland and Romania, while the company continues to expand industrial partnerships across the Nordic region and Western Europe

During the panel session, participants underscored the growing strategic importance of cooperation between NATO Allies and the Indo-Pacific partners (IP4), recognizing the increasingly interconnected security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific. The discussion also highlighted South Korea’s role as a trusted defence industrial partner, supporting both immediate capability requirements and long-term industrial resilience.

The South Korean government also called for a new phase of Korea–NATO defence industrial cooperation. In his keynote address at the NATO Defence Industry Forum, President Lee Jae Myung proposed a “Korea–NATO Defence Industry Partnership 2.0,” centered on closer cooperation in joint research, co-development, co-production and long-term industrial collaboration. He noted that 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.

Separately, Hanwha Aerospace co-hosted a networking reception with the Munich Security Conference (MSC) and the Atlantic Council on the sidelines of the NATO Summit, bringing together representatives from NATO institutions, Allied governments, defence companies, think tanks and international media. The reception provided an additional platform to exchange views on Europe’s defence industrial transformation and strengthen dialogue with key stakeholders across the transatlantic defence community.

Hanwha Aerospace

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