Last year, Poland signed a framework agreement with South Korea to import 48 domestic FA-50 light fighter aircraft (KAI), 1,000 K-2 tanks (Hyundai Rotem), and 648 K-9 self-propelled howitzers (Hanwha Aerospace). (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Oct. 2 (Korea Bizwire) – The South Korean government has announced plans to create a hub in Poland for exporting defense products to Europe.
The Ministry of National Defense is looking to set up a Defense Cooperation Center in Poland, which will serve as a base to expand defense exports to Europe, as stated by a government official last Friday.
Initially, the team will comprise military attachés stationed at local embassies and defense cooperation officers from the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, with plans for gradual expansion.
Korean companies eyeing the European defense market are moving swiftly. Companies like Hyundai Rotem, known for producing the K2 tank, and Hanwha Aerospace, which manufactures the K9 self-propelled howitzer and the Chunmoo multi-stage rocket, have already established European subsidiaries in Poland this year.
They are also in discussions to establish local production facilities in the future. Their aim is to provide tailored solutions and quick supply based on customer needs.
These companies intend to use Poland as a launching point to expand their presence in the European market and diversify their exports, including submarines.
The Ministry of National Defense is looking to set up a Defense Cooperation Center in Poland, which will serve as a base to expand defense exports to Europe, as stated by a government official last Friday. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
A government official mentioned, “We are planning to create a defense cooperation center in Poland to engage in further discussions with existing export partners like Poland. In particular, we will use this local center as a starting point for defense exports to Europe.”
He further added, “The establishment of the Defense Cooperation Center also entails strengthening ‘post-sales’ activities to enhance the satisfaction and trust of the purchasing country.
This involves ensuring the swift and reliable execution of completed projects. The center’s mission will be to provide a package of equipment operation knowledge, education, training, and ongoing logistics support to the purchasing country.”
The government is pushing for the establishment of a defense cooperation center in Poland because the country has become a prominent destination for South Korean defense exports in Europe.
Last year, Poland signed a framework agreement with South Korea to import 48 domestic FA-50 light fighter aircraft (KAI), 1,000 K-2 tanks (Hyundai Rotem), and 648 K-9 self-propelled howitzers (Hanwha Aerospace).
In August of the same year, the company signed the first export implementation contract for 180 K-2 tanks (approximately 4.5 trillion won), 212 K-9 self-propelled howitzers (about 3.2 trillion won), and 48 FA-50s (about 4.2 trillion won).
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
