Coalition for Defence & Security South Korea

The Dutch Coalition for Defense and Security in South Korea brings together Dutch government, research institutes, and industry partners to strengthen the long-standing defense and security partnership between the Netherlands and South Korea. In an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, South Korea invests heavily in modernising its armed forces and intelligence, making it a key regional partner for the Netherlands and NATO. Through knowledge exchange and collaboration across land, maritime, and aerospace domains, both countries aim to drive innovation, R&D, and the development of advanced defense solutions.

Supported by organisations such as TNO, NLR, Ilias Solutions, Photonis, and Van Halteren, the coalition integrates expertise in technology, training, and research to strengthen local defense capabilities and allied forces. As part of the ‘Partners for International Business’ programme, and in close cooperation with the Netherlands Enterprise Agency and the Embassy of the Netherlands in South Korea, the coalition seeks to deepen this equal and reliable partnership to protect shared values of peace, justice, and security while addressing global defense challenges together.

Together for a safer and more secure world

Dutch research institutes TNO and NLR (Royal Netherlands Aerospace Centre) work closely with South Korea’s Agency for Defense Development (ADD), combining expertise to improve defense operations through NATO qualification and testing, threat and protection analysis, munition safety, and mine clearance. NLR has also partnered with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) for over 20 years. Alongside these knowledge partners, the coalition’s industry members provide high-tech, integrated security solutions across the entire supply chain. Photonis has supplied image intensifiers to Korean night vision manufacturers for more than 15 years, while ILIAS Solutions and Van Halteren deliver advanced software, training, and simulation, ensuring access to cutting-edge knowledge and state-of-the-art facilities.