By Jon Rambeau, L3Harris Technologies
Secretary Lutnick, Minister Kim, distinguished colleagues, 안녕하십니까!!
My name is Jon Rambeau, President of Integrated Mission Systems at L3Harris, and I am honored to be here representing my company, along with so many distinguished colleagues from both U.S. and Korean industry.
Before I go any further, I’d like to first thank Secretary Lutnick for hosting this roundtable. I’d like to also thank both the U.S. and Republic of Korea governments for making this venue possible during such an important time for our two countries and respective defense industries.
During the CEO roundtable, government and industry leaders explored opportunities to deepen bilateral trade.
L3Harris is a leading global defense company. Our operations span more than 100 nations, with roughly a quarter of our business originating outside the United States.
Traditionally, the defense industry has been known for its custom solutions, long development cycles and exquisite hardware.
Today, however, we see trends that mirror the commercial sector: rapid prototyping – rapid fielding of solutions that are effective today but always improving – and ultimately, the convergence of hardware, software and AI.
At L3Harris, we are leaning into – and accelerating – this transition.
As a global company, we know that the best technology can come from anywhere. That’s why international cooperation is at the forefront of our strategy. The recently awarded Airborne Early Warning and Control program, developed in collaboration with Korean Air, is a prime example of this cooperative model.
Accordingly, I’d like to acknowledge and thank Korean Air Chairman Walter CHO and Vice Chairman WOO Kee Hong for their leadership, and the commitment of their aerospace and defense team, to make this program possible.
What this program does is significant. It delivers advanced capabilities to meet mission requirements while fostering shared defense across allied nations. This collaborative approach not only strengthens the collective military alliance but also harnesses technology and know-how from both American and Korean industries.
The project brings together L3Harris’ position as a world leader in special mission aircraft with Korean Air’s deep knowledge of commercial airframe modification and maintenance. This essential partnership supports hi-tech job creation in both the U.S. and Korea.
This program represents a blueprint for future initiatives to deepen defense and commercial cooperation between our countries.
At L3Harris, we’re focused on developing the capabilities required for coalition warfare. And we’re building sustainable economic growth for the United States, Korea and other international partners.
Let’s not just trade … let’s build together! 감사합니다!
Read more about L3Harris Technologies’ partnership with the Republic of Korea on AEW&C from the White House: White House Fact Sheet
At the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation meetings, U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and the Republic of Korea’s Minister Kim Jung-Kwan of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy engaged with industry leaders.
