Welcome

The defense industry is not only the future's new growth engine but also the primary driver of high-tech sectors. It is now widely recognized as a strategic industry safeguarding national security and serving as a benchmark for advanced technology. Moreover, the competition for advanced technology weapon systems goes beyond a mere technological and military arms race. It has become a crucial determinant of a nation's overall prosperity and military strength, characterized by complex and comprehensive standards. As global demand for the defense industry skyrockets and its scale expands, competition among nations in the realm of advanced technology defense intensifies with each passing day. This situation raises concerns about multilateral security threats linked to the defense industry.

Countries participating in the defense export market continually vie to release defense technology and core expertise. Additionally, they resort to obstructive tactics like disseminating misleading public opinion and attempting to usurp sales strategies during overseas business ventures. In particular, countries are expected to employ new forms of infringement, such as discouraging defense research and development by promoting overseas purchases instead of self-reliant development. They may also seek to exploit growth potential through mergers and acquisitions of future defense technology companies. The world finds itself in a state of economic uncertainty and a multifaceted crisis. Amidst geopolitical conflicts, technological hegemony struggles, and supply chain fragmentation or reorganization, the war in Ukraine exacerbates disruptions in global supply chains.

Above all, the challenges concerning defense supply chain issues should be comprehended in a multi-layered and intricate manner, where technology, economy, and security are closely intertwined. It is not simply a matter of competitive advantage in specific technologies or realignment of labor divisions. Overcoming these challenges entails bolstering the resilience of supply chains through reciprocal solidarity. For the peaceful and sustainable co-prosperity of the international community, it is paramount to establish a cooperative and inclusive economic and technological ecosystem based on the principles of freedom and solidarity. To protect the defense industry in Korea, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) has obtained a legal foundation for preventing and responding to defense infringements. The revised NIS Act, enacted on January 1, 2021, includes provisions for 'counter-intelligence against defense industry infringements.'

Drawing on their extensive counterintelligence capabilities, the NIS actively addresses various infringements, such as detecting and thwarting leaks of defense technology and military secrets by foreign entities, as well as preventing the delivery of substandard military supplies. Moreover, through close collaboration with foreign intelligence agencies, the NIS is committed to halting illegal exports of military and dual-use strategic materials that could be employed in the production of weapons of mass destruction.

As part of these endeavors, the National Intelligence Service will be hosting the '1st Defense Industrial Security(DINSEC) Conference.’ This conference, held to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Korea-U.S. alliance, focuses on defense cooperation, the reorganization and collaboration of defense supply chains and the importance of technology security, and how expanding defense exports contribute to the Free World alliance. Additionally, the NIS has extended invitations to international defense industry security experts, providing a platform for in-depth presentations and discussions on preventing infringements by foreign entities and implementing countermeasures such as expanding research efforts in the defense and security fields.

We anticipate that this international defense industry and security conference will play a pivotal role in raising awareness about defense industry protection, thereby contributing to a significant advancement for the Korean defense industry.