Seoul, South Korea – The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) announced today that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Ministry of National Defense to strengthen cooperation in the field of 3D printing for defense applications.

This agreement aims to sustain inter-ministerial cooperation in defense 3D printing and to enhance the advanced manufacturing capabilities of defense components. The MOU specifically outlines key areas of cooperation, including:

Identification and validation of demand for 3D printed defense components
Development of technology and construction of a manufacturing process database
Establishment of a component supply chain and industrial ecosystem
Cultivation of specialized personnel
Through this collaboration, South Korea aims to secure the technological capabilities necessary for manufacturing core components and to expand the market through increased utilization of 3D printed components. Additionally, it is expected to contribute to the strengthening of the related industrial ecosystem.

Yoon Sung-hyeok, Director-General of Advanced Industries Policy at MOTIE, stated, "With the combined resources of MOTIE's accumulated R&D, infrastructure, and human resources, along with the capabilities of the Ministry of National Defense and the Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), we anticipate the creation of various achievements. This cooperation will serve as a win-win model that not only strengthens our national defense but also enhances the industrial competitiveness of the 3D printing industry."