Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration and NATO's aviation committee signed the agreement on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Washington, which is a key measure of the aircraft's suitability for safe flight, Yonhap news agency reported.
Under the agreement signed Thursday, NATO will recognize the Seoul government's airworthiness certification for South Korean-made aircraft.
While South Korea has signed agreements with the United States, Spain, France and Poland, the new agreement with NATO is expected to reduce the time required for mutual recognition with other NATO members.
President Yoon Suk Yeol expressed hope that the mutual recognition process would help increase defense industry cooperation between South Korea and NATO members.
"I welcome the signing of the airworthiness certification between South Korea and NATO as it will enhance interoperability," Yoon said in his meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
In 2022, Korea Aerospace Industries signed an agreement to export 48 FA-50 light combat aircraft to Poland and has completed the delivery of 12 jets.
Under the agreement signed Thursday, NATO will recognize the Seoul government's airworthiness certification for South Korean-made aircraft.
While South Korea has signed agreements with the United States, Spain, France and Poland, the new agreement with NATO is expected to reduce the time required for mutual recognition with other NATO members.
President Yoon Suk Yeol expressed hope that the mutual recognition process would help increase defense industry cooperation between South Korea and NATO members.
"I welcome the signing of the airworthiness certification between South Korea and NATO as it will enhance interoperability," Yoon said in his meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg.
In 2022, Korea Aerospace Industries signed an agreement to export 48 FA-50 light combat aircraft to Poland and has completed the delivery of 12 jets.
