A view was presented that Korea's K-defense industry can contribute to global peace amid a changing security environment through "solidarity and technology." It said that Korean corporations with world-class advanced defense manufacturing capabilities can play a key role in strengthening self-reliant defense in the AI era by working with global partners.
Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Systems, and Hanwha Ocean, the three defense affiliates of Hanwha Group, held the Hanwha Future Tech Forum: Defense on the theme of "Sustainable Peace for All" on the 27th at the Gyeongju National Museum in Gyeongju. As an official side event of the 2025 APEC CEO Summit, the forum drew about 270 attendees, including domestic and international military officials and defense corporations CEOs.
Former Australian Defense Minister Christopher Pyne and NATO Rapid Reaction Corps Commander Ralph Wooddis took part in the event, emphasizing the importance of technological innovation and international coordination.
Former Defense Acquisition Program Administration chief Kang Eun-ho presented a strategy for transitioning to a technology-centered industry under the theme "The future of K-defense." Hanwha Group CSO Alex Wong and International Institute for Strategic Studies President John Chipman held a conversation on "Technological sovereignty and economic security in the AI era."
The panel discussion examined how AI technology is changing the face of the battlefield and discussed the importance of industrial resilience and international cooperation.
National Assembly Speaker Woo Won-sik said in a video congratulatory message that "Hanwha's young leadership is opening a new chapter of defense innovation and global cooperation." Prime Minister Kim Min-seok noted, "The government is fostering defense as a core future industry with the goal of becoming one of the world's top four defense powers."
Hanwha Group used the forum to reinforce a global security and technology network around "technological sovereignty in the AI era," "industrial resilience," and "sustainable peace," reaffirming its role as a strategic partner leading innovation in the global defense ecosystem.
Hanwha Aerospace CEO Son Jae-il said, "In this era of great transition where AI and advanced manufacturing converge, we must prepare for peace wisely and responsibly," adding, "Hanwha's technology is for protection, not provocation, and through global partnerships we will realize 'technology for peace.'"