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The K(orea)-factor in the Zeitenwende: South Korea and the rebuilding of Germany's defence industrial base

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  • Ballbach, Eric J.

Abstract

Germany is facing a security policy Zeitenwende whose industrial dimension has not yet been sufficiently addressed. The war in Ukraine, rising military threats in Europe, and the long-term underfunding of the German Armed Forces have exposed the limits of existing defence industrial capacity, while the reliability of the United States (US) as a security guarantor is increasingly uncertain. This creates a strategic need for Germany to quickly rebuild its defence industrial base. Yet, despite the increased demand and funding, German defence industries are struggling to scale production quickly, exposing capability gaps that endanger both national defence and NATO commitments. In this context, cooperation with South Korea gains strategic relevance, as plans for localised production by Korean defence firms in Germany could ease bottlenecks, shorten supply chains, and enhance operational readiness without creating new strategic dependencies.

Suggested Citation

  • Ballbach, Eric J., 2026. "The K(orea)-factor in the Zeitenwende: South Korea and the rebuilding of Germany's defence industrial base," SWP Comments 4/2026, Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik (SWP), German Institute for International and Security Affairs.
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:swpcom:338232
    DOI: 10.18449/2026C04
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