TNO’s Unit Defence, Safety & Security strengthens ties with South Korea

In this evolving landscape, the Netherlands is actively seeking to expand international cooperation. The Asia-Pacific (APAC) region offers numerous opportunities to forge new connections and deepen existing relationships. With this in mind, TNO’s Unit Defence, Safety & Security (DSS) is reinforcing its ties with South Korea and beyond.

Jyot, TNO Business Developer Lead for the APAC region within the Protection, Munitions & Weapons division, and Kirk, TNO Account Manager for the South Korean Agency for Defence Development (ADD), explain how their work contributes to strengthening international ties in the APAC region—and how the relationship with ADD has grown into a key partnership.

‘My first contact with scientists from South Korea’s ADD was in 2009. At the time, I specialised in ship vulnerability research at TNO,’  Kirk recalls. ‘I was working on complex projects involving ship collisions, hydrodynamics, and underwater explosion-induced shock. I also led experimental shock work in our Delft lab—an area of particular interest to ADD. Among all the international parties they approached, TNO stood out. Our expertise was important, but so too was our independent, non-commercial approach. That laid the foundation for project collaborations starting in 2012.’

From maritime researcher to international liaison

‘In the years since, I’ve worked closely with ADD on various projects,’ Kirk continues. ‘This helped me build strong relationships with their scientists, and I’ve learnt a lot about South Korean culture. That enables me to act as a bridge between TNO and our Korean partners. I still have one foot in science, as I need to understand the technical content, but my main role as Account Manager for ADD is to serve as the central point of contact with their International Cooperation Division. This includes coordinating communication and visits between our scientists, liaising with our business developers, and organising annual board-level meetings.’

Maintaining the relationship with ADD involves regular visits. For example, in March 2025, a TNO delegation led by COO Maarten Tossings visited Daejeon, South Korea. During the visit, they explored opportunities for collaboration, including potential joint research on High Energy Laser technology. “But we don’t just talk science,” Kirk adds. ‘On earlier visits, we’ve joined Dutch government-led trade missions, visited the Dutch embassy, and toured cultural landmarks such as the UN Memorial Cemetery in Busan, which also honours the Dutch contribution during the Korean War. These experiences foster mutual understanding and respect—crucial building blocks in our relationship with ADD.’

Cultural challenges

‘Cultural sensitivity and adaptability are essential,’ Jyot confirms. ‘My background in international relations helps me in my role as Business Developer at TNO. My work is essentially split in two,’ he explains. ‘Half of my time is spent on international collaboration with the Asia-Pacific region. Effective collaboration can be challenging because of cultural differences; not just between East and West, but also within the region. For instance, the direct and commercial style common in Dutch business doesn’t align well with South Korea’s more reserved business culture, which values patience and respect. India, on the other hand, is generally more direct, though that varies by region. My Indian roots help me navigate this patchwork of subcultures.’

As for the other half of his role, Jyot says: ‘In addition to building and maintaining international relationships, I’m also the business lead for High Energy Laser technology. These two aspects come together in our discussions with ADD in South Korea. Laser systems are a global hot topic and a rapidly growing area of expertise within TNO DSS.’

‘The Netherlands is strong in certain areas of the required technology,’ Jyot adds. ‘Other countries, including South Korea, are also advanced in developing laser weapons, albeit in different components. Collaboration allows us to pool expertise and develop powerful defence technologies together.’

Looking ahead: expanding regional collaboration

‘TNO is an independent organisation, but as Unit DSS, we work closely with the Ministry of Defence. We focus on areas that align with the Ministry’s interests,’ Jyot concludes. ‘The unit’s focus is shifting in tandem with the Ministry’s increasingly global outlook. In the Asia-Pacific region, we already collaborate with Australia, in addition to South Korea. We’re exploring partnerships with Japan, and as India moves away from investing in ties with Russia and increasingly aligns with the West, I expect the number of security collaborations between the Netherlands and countries in this region to continue growing.’