South Korea and U.S. Reach Consensus on Promoting Cooperation in Aircraft MRO

Proposal to Expand Cooperation from Naval Vessel MRO to Shipbuilding Sector

The South Korean and U.S. military authorities have reportedly reached a consensus on cooperating in the field of aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO), in addition to existing collaboration on naval vessel MRO.

According to the military on May 7, the South Korean and U.S. authorities assessed the rapidly changing international security environment and discussed these matters based on a shared understanding during the 26th Korea-U.S. Integrated Defense Dialogue (KIDD) held in Washington, D.C., on May 1-2 (local time).

Yonhap News

At this meeting, the South Korean side thoroughly explained its capabilities, technologies, and commitment regarding naval vessel MRO, and the U.S. side welcomed these proposals. Additionally, the South Korean side proposed expanding cooperation from naval vessel MRO to the shipbuilding sector, while also reaching a consensus on pursuing cooperation in aircraft MRO.

Furthermore, regarding North Korea policy, South Korea and the United States reaffirmed their shared goal of "complete denuclearization" and expressed serious concern that North Korea's advancement of nuclear and missile capabilities, as well as its illegal military cooperation with Russia, threaten stability on the Korean Peninsula and in the region. In this context, both sides agreed on the need for close coordination to enhance their joint response capabilities.

In addition, both sides agreed to continue seeking allied cooperation to strengthen the implementation of extended deterrence through the Korea-U.S. Nuclear Consultative Group (NCG) under the second administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.

The South Korean and U.S. military authorities also reached a consensus on the need to maintain the momentum of trilateral security cooperation among South Korea, the United States, and Japan in the context of regional security. They also agreed to deepen cooperation to strengthen the deterrence and defense capabilities of regional allies and partner countries.