South Korea's DAPA Signs First Asia-NATO Airworthiness Certification Agreement

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) signed an airworthiness certification certificate with NATO in Washington D.C. on July 9, acknowledging DAPA's flight safety certification capabilities and marking the first such recognition for an Asian country.

The signing ceremony occurred at the NATO Summit Defense Industry Forum and included high-ranking officials, such as NATO Deputy Secretary General Mircea Geoana. The agreement was formalized through a letter of recognition between DAPA Director Seok Jong-geon and NATO Aviation Commission Chairman Giorgio Cioni.

Airworthiness certification involves verifying and certifying that an aircraft has no flight safety issues. This NATO recognition implies that domestically produced aircraft certified by DAPA meet international flight safety standards. It also highlights the global recognition of South Korea's aviation technology and certification capabilities.

The agreement is expected to enhance cooperation in aviation and airworthiness between South Korea and NATO member countries. The mutual recognition of airworthiness certification between NATO countries is anticipated to shorten the period and procedures required for certification.

DAPA Commissioner Seok Jong-geon emphasized the importance of this agreement, noting that it confirms the excellence of South Korea's airworthiness certification capabilities. “We expect exports of domestically produced aircraft to increase and defense cooperation between ROK and NATO to be further strengthened,” he added.