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Participants of the NATO Group of National Directors on Codification pose for a commemorative photo during the meeting held in Busan from June 10 to 12. / Courtesy of DAPA

South Korea has become the first non-member nation to host the NATO Group of National Directors on Codification (GNDC), marking a significant milestone in the country’s growing role in global defense cooperation.

According to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) on June 13, the 127th GNDC meeting was held from June 10 to 12 in Busan. The event serves as NATO’s regular international forum for managing its codification system—a standardized global logistics catalog used to identify and manage military supplies.

This year’s meeting marked the first time the GNDC has been hosted by a NATO sponsor nation rather than a full member. South Korea was elevated to NATO's highest sponsor status, Tier 2, in October 2005. Nearly two decades later, the country has now achieved the rare distinction of hosting the event.

The NATO codification system ensures interoperability and efficient logistical support among alliance members through standardized identification and classification of military materiel.

Despite not being a NATO member, South Korea has maintained an exemplary track record in implementing the codification system, enhancing national defense standards, and expanding the use of its Korea Defense Standard Information System (KDSIS), according to DAPA.

The conference gathered defense experts from 45 countries, including major European powers. Participants discussed ways to enhance the system’s flexibility and scalability in response to rapidly evolving technologies.

DAPA emphasized that strengthening institutional frameworks and international cooperation is crucial for keeping pace with today’s dynamic defense environment and advancing the NATO codification system.

“This meeting represents a meaningful milestone in Korea’s emergence as a cooperative partner leading global defense standardization alongside NATO members,” said Kang Hwan-seok, Deputy Minister of DAPA. “It is expected to significantly boost Korea’s defense exports by strengthening competitiveness and global trust in our defense industry.”