Lessons South Korea can learn from the Iran-Israel conflict

South Korea, much like Israel, has long depended on American defense technology, particularly the technology used in air defense systems, as the cornerstone of its defense strategy. US technological prowess, especially in the form of advanced fighter jets, missile defense systems and intelligence-sharing, has provided both nations with a strategic advantage over their adversaries.

However, as recent developments in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran have demonstrated, excessive reliance on technology can quickly transform into a significant vulnerability. The strategic landscape has shifted dramatically.

Iran, with its expanding missile capabilities, has increasingly challenged Israel’s air defenses, including the US-made Aegis and Patriot systems, reducing their overall effectiveness .

Furthermore, the development of next-generation missile interception systems, such as the glide phase interceptor (GPI), is still several years from full deployment. Until these technologies reach operational readiness, Israel remains vulnerable to missile strikes, highlighting the critical disparity between theoretical technological advancements and their practical application in real-world combat scenarios.

This stark reality serves as a cautionary lesson for South Korea, which faces similar challenges with North Korea. The heavy reliance on Western defense technologies by both nations is becoming increasingly precarious in an era when regional adversaries are rapidly narrowing the technological gap.

The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel thus presents critical lessons for South Korea, particularly in the domains of defense strategy, technological dependency and diplomatic engagement.

As South Korea navigates its own