Shin Won-sik aims to address financing issues and capitalize on Eastern Europe’s military modernization plans
South Korea aims to expand defense cooperation with Romania and Poland during ROK Defense Minister Shin Won-sik’s visit from Monday to Saturday. Shin will hold bilateral defense meetings with his counterparts, attend the second ROK-Poland Defense and Defense Industry Cooperation Joint Committee, and pay courtesy calls to the Romanian prime minister and president.
During the visit, Shin will explore cooperation possibilities on projects of interest to Romania and Poland, such as the Redback, K2 tanks and air defense systems. He will also seek to regularize cooperation between South Korea and Poland through the joint committee.
Why It Matters
Shin’s visit to Poland and Romania aims to expand defense cooperation and exports. In Poland, Shin will likely focus on providing clarity regarding the financing of substantial arms deals, which have faced uncertainty. Meanwhile, his visit to Romania follows a March meeting between the two countries’ industry ministers, where South Korea expressed hopes to strengthen defense ties as Romania modernizes its military.
South Korea likely seeks to expand sales of its Redback Infantry Fighting Vehicles to Eastern Europe. Australia significantly reduced its planned purchase of the vehicles in favor of prioritizing other capabilities last year. Unlike Australia, Eastern European countries are expected to focus on modernizing their ground forces, presenting an opportunity for South Korea to secure new contracts in the region.
South Korea aims to expand defense cooperation with Romania and Poland during ROK Defense Minister Shin Won-sik’s visit from Monday to Saturday. Shin will hold bilateral defense meetings with his counterparts, attend the second ROK-Poland Defense and Defense Industry Cooperation Joint Committee, and pay courtesy calls to the Romanian prime minister and president.
During the visit, Shin will explore cooperation possibilities on projects of interest to Romania and Poland, such as the Redback, K2 tanks and air defense systems. He will also seek to regularize cooperation between South Korea and Poland through the joint committee.
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