South Korea and Britain Advance Defense Cooperation with MoU and Hanwha Partnerships in London Talks
Updated (2 articles)
High‑Level Officials Lead Two‑Day Defense Dialogue Senior defense officials from South Korea and Britain convened in London for a two‑day meeting to deepen policy cooperation in the arms sector, with South Korea’s Jeong Gyu‑heon and Britain’s Oliver Harry heading their delegations; the talks were coordinated by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration and the UK Department for Business and Trade, underscoring high‑level governmental involvement[1].
Hanwha Companies Target British Partners for Naval and Space Projects Participants examined strategic partnerships linking South Korean firms to UK defense giants, notably Hanwha Ocean with Babcock for naval capabilities and Hanwha Systems with BAE Systems on satellite programmes, reflecting a joint push to enhance maritime and space assets[1].
Proposed Memorandum of Understanding Formalizes R&D Collaboration South Korea put forward a memorandum of understanding aimed at accelerating bilateral defense science and technology cooperation; both sides expressed intent to finalize the MoU swiftly, signalling a move toward sustained joint research and development efforts[1].
Broader Industrial Alignment Emphasizes Shipbuilding, Satellites, Export Controls The dialogue highlighted a broader agenda to expand defense‑industrial ties, covering shipbuilding, satellite technology, and security exports, while also addressing export‑control coordination as part of an ongoing annual bilateral framework[1].
Timeline
Dec 17, 2025 – DAPA chief Lee Yong‑cheol meets British Ambassador Colin Crooks in Gwacheon, discusses expanding arms‑industry cooperation, highlights ongoing Hanwha Systems‑BAE satellite work and potential joint aircraft‑engine projects, and pledges follow‑up consultations in 2026; Lee says Britain is “a key value‑sharing friendly nation and is an optimal partner … in the arms industry” [2].
Jan 15, 2026 – Senior defense officials from South Korea and Britain hold two‑day London talks led by Jeong Gyu‑heon and Oliver Harry, deepen policy cooperation, and examine strategic partnerships such as Hanwha Ocean with Babcock and Hanwha Systems with BAE on satellites, reinforcing a long‑running defense‑industrial relationship [1].
Jan 15, 2026 – South Korea proposes a memorandum of understanding on defense science and technology cooperation; both sides agree to push for swift signing, marking a formal step toward long‑term R&D ties and coordinated export‑control efforts [1].
Jan 15, 2026 – The talks are coordinated by South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration and Britain’s Department for Business and Trade, illustrating high‑level government engagement and supporting the continuation of annual bilateral defense discussions [1].
2026 (later) – South Korea and Britain schedule follow‑up consultations in 2026 to advance the discussed partnerships, including Hanwha Ocean‑Babcock naval projects and Hanwha Systems‑BAE satellite collaboration, aiming toward joint exports and deeper industrial ties [2].