At the NATO summit in Ankara, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called for transforming the alliance’s defense relationship with Seoul from simple weapons sales into collaborative research, production, and operation of military systems. Speaking Tuesday at the NATO Defense Industry Forum, Lee proposed a “Korea-NATO Defense Industry Partnership 2.0,” arguing that modern warfare now hinges on advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and drones, not just battlefield outcomes. He said the world has entered an era where a country’s ability to survive depends on its defense industry’s strength. Lee is the only head of government among NATO’s Indo-Pacific partners attending the summit, and his proposal aims to deepen industrial ties as the alliance pursues a five-percent defense investment plan.