As illustrated by South Korea and the Czech Republic’s close partnership in developing the Czech nuclear industry, the two countries have a great potential for cooperation. It is not limited solely to industry as it also encompasses defence and security, Defence Minister Jaromír Zůna commented during his business trip to Seoul. He attended a meeting with representatives of local defence industries, took part in a discussion at the security forum Seoul Defense Dialogue and met with his Korean counterpart, Ahn Gyu-back.
Relations between the Czech Republic and Republic of Korea concerning defence and security are based on the 2015 memorandum on strategic partnership which was followed by a memorandum of cooperation in science, research and innovation three years ago. According to Minister Zůna, there is great potential for more intensive cooperation in other areas besides industry.
“Northeast Asia is one of the centres of world economy with a high dynamic. The region also has considerable importance when it comes to security. If something unexpected or unpreventable happened there, it could negatively impact Czech goals and strategic interests in nuclear industry. Therefore, it is truly important to cultivate close relations and partnerships in defence and security with countries in this area,” Minister Zůna explained.
He alludes to the project by Colt CZ and the Korean SNT Motiv which seek to rearm the Korean Armed Forces as an example of such successful cooperation. The tender is scheduled for the next year but the companies are already intensely working together in technology and manufacturing transfer of certain parts of P10 pistols that could be licenced to be manufactured in South Korea.
When it comes to SBAMD, the Korean company LIG Defense & Aerospace might provide a solution not just for the Czech Republic but for the whole of Europe. It manufactures devices in the whole range of SBAMD systems, from short range to defence against ballistic missiles. Last year, the company teamed with Rheinmetall of Germany.
“In 2022, the Czech Republic joined European Sky Shield Initiative under Germany’s leadership which seeks to develop European air defence against ballistic missiles. The partnership between Rheinmetall and LIG Defense & Aerospace offers such a solution,” emphasised Minister Zůna, who met with head representatives of both Korean companies in Seoul.
Another Czech company that successfully established itself in South Korea is Tatra whose trucks are used by LIG Defense & Aerospace as platforms for SBAMD and other weapon systems. Last year, the Czech company BRM Aero based in Kunovice signed a contract for twenty Bristell aircraft, slated for delivery next year.
According to the Minister, Korean companies were also interested in the possibility to penetrate the European market. “The key could be to find a Czech partner for a joint venture and to set up manufacturing in the Czech Republic. This model would facilitate their access to other EU markets,” said Minister Zůna. Korean companies’ ambition to strengthen their position in Europe reflects the growing importance of the Republic of Korea in the Euro-Atlantic security area. South Korea is one of four NATO Indo-Pacific partners forming the IP4 which focuses on enhancing political and practical cooperation between NATO and democratic states in the Indo-Pacific region.