Boeing and DAPA of South Korea explore joint advanced weapons systems collaboration.

Boeing and the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) of the Republic of Korea (ROK) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to jointly research, develop, and market advanced weapons systems of mutual interest. Ted Colbert, President and CEO of Boeing Defense, Space and Security, signed the MOU with DAPA Minister Eom Donghwan.

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  A ROKAF Boeing 737 AEW&C aircraft in formation with an F-15K Slam Eagle (Picture source: ROK Ministry of National Defense)

“For over 70 years Boeing has been committed to its partnership with Korea,” said Colbert. “This agreement aligns with Boeing and DAPA’s common interest of establishing a strategic partnership to support the U.S.-ROK alliance. This joint effort will have a positive impact on the Korean defense industry, especially small & medium-sized companies, by creating large-scale value from the initial state as part of Boeing’s global value chain” said Eom.

Working with DAPA enables Boeing to partner with a global innovation leader, while expanding its presence in Korea. This effort also directly supports ROK President Yoon Suk Yeol’s national defense strategy in developing and securing Korean advanced military capabilities. DAPA has committed to support the research, development, and export of defense systems from this co-development initiative. The two parties will establish working committees to meet regularly and identify weapons systems of mutual interest.

Boeing is a key component of Korea’s rapidly growing aerospace sector, spending over U.S. $4 billion with suppliers in the past 15 years. In 2022, Boeing spent over $250 million with over 50 Korean companies that provide products and services for Boeing.