JBNU has partnered with global defense company BAE Systems Korea to promote talent development and expand Industry-University Cooperation in the defense and advanced technology sectors.

JBNU announced that on June 29 it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with BAE Systems Korea to cultivate outstanding talent in the defense and national security sectors. The agreement aims to link JBNU's initiatives—such as the Department of Advanced Defense Studies, the Defense Industry Convergence Program, and the Advanced AI Defense Industry Convergence education system—with the industry experience of a global defense company.

BAE Systems Korea serves as the Korean base of UK-based BAE Systems. It collaborates with the Korean government and related agencies to carry out business development and global cooperation activities in the defense sector. BAE Systems is a global defense company with world-class competitiveness in aerospace, maritime, land, electronic systems, cyber, and advanced defense technologies.

Under the agreement, the two institutions plan to implement a variety of cooperative programs to discover·nurture creative and innovative talent in the defense and national security fields.▲Defense Education·Research and Industry-University Cooperation for Workforce Development ▲Discovery of Creative·Innovative Talent in the Defense Sector ▲Through expert lectures, seminars, workshops, and masterclasses by BAE Systems Korea professionals, students are expected to gain practical knowledge focused on the global defense market, advanced technology development, business development, and international cooperation.

In addition, the two institutions will consider and operate internship opportunities and career·employment mentoring programs for outstanding undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in JBNU's Department of Advanced Defense Studies, the Defense Industry Convergence Program, and the Advanced AI Defense Industry Convergence Program. Through this, JBNU students will gain practical experience linked to global defense companies and build a foundation to grow into professionals who will lead K-Defense in the future.

The agreement is also significant in that JBNU is continuously expanding its cooperation network with global defense companies. Following a strategic cooperation agreement with global defense company Thales in April, JBNU has strengthened its standing as a global platform for training defense talent by establishing a cooperative framework with BAE Systems Korea.

JBNU plans to develop the Jeonbuk region into a key hub for training advanced defense talent and Industry-University Cooperation through defense education and research, programs linked with global companies, and ties with the regional defense innovation cluster. In particular, in connection with the establishment of an advanced materials-based defense innovation cluster in the Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province, JBNU intends to build a Jeonbuk-style defense ecosystem that combines education, research, corporate collaboration, and field training.

President Yang O-bong said, "This agreement will provide an important opportunity for JBNU students to understand the global defense industry and to respond proactively to future changes in national defense and advanced technologies," adding, "JBNU will systematically cultivate creative and daring talent that will lead K-Defense through substantive cooperation with global defense companies."

Michael Khan, Country Director of BAE Systems Korea, said, "Cooperation with Jeonbuk National University is a meaningful starting point for Korea's excellent future defense talent and global defense companies to grow together," adding, "BAE Systems Korea will contribute to the development of Korea's defense industry and talent cultivation through a range of programs including education, exchanges, and mentoring."