Korea opens faster access to NATO standards for defense exporters

Korea’s arms procurement agency has established its first formal procedure for domestic defense companies to obtain NATO standards, a move aimed at helping them compete for contracts and joint development projects in NATO markets.

Until now, exporters had no formal domestic channel for obtaining many of the standards and often had to seek help from local companies or government agencies in countries where they were pursuing business.

Under the new system, standards that the Korean government can access directly through NATO’s online database could be provided in as little as a week.

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said Monday it has enacted guidelines governing how NATO standards are requested, provided and handled.

NATO standards set common requirements designed to ensure interoperability among allied weapons systems, ammunition and other military supplies. They cover areas ranging from protection requirements and testing procedures to communications protocols, logistics and security rules.

Korean companies may be asked to show that their products meet relevant NATO standards when bidding for weapons programs in member countries or joining research and development with foreign governments or defense firms.

Demand for access has grown as Korean defense exports to Europe have expanded since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and European countries have stepped up rearmament, according to DAPA.

Previously, NATO standards needed for Korean government programs can be obtained through government-to-government channels, a DAPA official said.

The new guidelines set separate procedures depending on whether a standard is publicly available, restricted or classified. Restricted standards that Korean government agencies can retrieve from NATO’s database will be obtained by DAPA and passed on top applicants.

“In the fastest cases, we can provide them within a week,” the official said.

Standards requiring NATO approval, including classified material, will still have to go through NATO’s application and approval process. DAPA said it is working with NATO through bilateral defense industry consultations and Korea’s military representations to NATO to streamline the process.

Korea and NATO signed a special security arrangement in February covering the exchange of classified information, including NATO standards.

DAPA expects easier access to help Korean firms move beyond exports of complete weapons systems toward local production, joint development and parts supply.

The agency said NATO standards are also increasingly referenced in procurement requirement outside NATO, potentially helping Korean firms diversify their export markets and products.

DAPA commissioner Lee Yong-cheol said the guidelines would “contribute in practical terms” to expanding Korean companies’ defense exports to NATO members and participation in international joint development projects.