“I have no doubt that 2022 will mark the beginning of upcoming years of fruitful defense industry cooperation between Poland and South Korea. The geopolitical situation, the aggressive policy of Russia in particular, made the rapid growth and modernization of the Polish Armed Forces a necessity. I am glad that we have found partners with whom we can address the threats, simultaneously creating bonds of mutual support, trust and cooperation. I think that the thread of understanding we have established will strengthen, and cooperation will also regard other areas," said Mariusz Błaszczak, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Defense during the Polish-Korean Defense Industry Cooperation Conference.

 

On November 29, the head of the Ministry of National Defense opened a Polish-Korean Defense Industry Cooperation Conference in Warsaw.

 “This year, we negotiated details of the cooperative defense industry projects aimed at increase of Poland's security. Thanks to openness to cooperate, the negotiations were conducted at a very fast pace, effectively, and to the satisfaction of both parties. Each of the visits, conferences and talks brought progress. Both at the government and industry levels, there was a mutual understanding that is already producing tangible results. These effects are the subsequent framework and executive agreements. It is also the fact that we expect deliveries of K2 battle tanks and K9 gun-howitzers already in 2022, and FA-50 aircraft and CHUNMOO rocket launchers already in 2023”

- stressed Deputy Prime Minister in his speech.

The Polish Armed Forces are consistently strengthening their potential with the use of Korean defense technologies. In July, a framework agreement was concluded with Hyundai Rotem for the acquisition of a total of 1,000 K2 tanks and its Polonized K2PL development version along with accompanying vehicles, i.e. technical and engineering support vehicles, accompanying bridges and other elements based on Polish solutions, as well as training and logistics packages, ammunition supply and manufacturer's technical support.

The framework agreement concluded with Hanwha Defense covers the acquisition of 672 K9A1 self-propelled howitzers and its Polonized version K9PL, along with ammunition supplies, command vehicles, training & logistics packages, and manufacturer's technical support.

 “ The delivery of each of the already contracted military equipment means comprehensive industrial cooperation at subsequent stages which will increase the capabilities of the Polish defense industry. The PGZ Group estimates that the approximate value of its share in the K2PL, K9PL and CHUNMOO projects will amount to over PLN 63 billion. One cannot ignore the fact that many components of these weapons systems will come from the Polish defense industry - for example Jelcz vehicles as chassis for Chunmoo launchers, Polish command, communication and reconnaissance vehicles. We also expect a full transfer of ammunition production to Poland, along with the necessary transfer of knowledge and technology.”

- said the head of the Ministry of National Defense.

At the end of August, executive contracts to acquire the first 180 K2 tanks from the Korean side in 2022-25 and 212 K9 self-propelled howitzers in 2022-26 were concluded.The first tanks and howitzers will be in Poland already in December 2022.

Another framework agreement foresees the acquisition of multi-guided K239 CHUNMOO launchers. The delivery of the first 18 launchers, integrated with Polish JELCZ vehicles, and dedicated ammunition, is expected already in 2023.

Deputy Prime Minister thanked the Korean government for its support in the implementation of the armaments industry projects that are crucial for Poland's security.

 “I thank the Korean government for openness in relations with Poland and for building cooperation in a much broader scope than just trade. It is thanks to the support of the Korean government that the Polish side will receive the first deliveries of K2 tanks, K9 howitzers, FA-50 aircraft and CHUNMOO launchers in such a short time. In the situation of continuous Polish support to Ukraine it is of great importance for us to be able to quickly meet the needs of the Polish Armed Forces. Thanks to this, we are simultaneously modernizing the Polish Armed Forces in leaps and bounds.”

- he said.