{"id":2200881,"date":"2023-05-02T18:38:41","date_gmt":"2023-05-02T09:38:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2200881"},"modified":"2023-05-03T19:24:02","modified_gmt":"2023-05-03T10:24:02","slug":"how-politics-and-culture-could-cap-south-koreas-defense-cooperation-with-poland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2023\/05\/how-politics-and-culture-could-cap-south-koreas-defense-cooperation-with-poland\/","title":{"rendered":"How politics and culture could cap South Korea\u2019s defense cooperation with Poland"},"content":{"rendered":"
In 2022, Poland and South Korea embarked on a new phase in their bilateral relations, with defense issues emerging as a crucial area of collaboration.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n But clashing organizational cultures and South Korea\u2019s concerns about offending Moscow and Beijing might prevent speedier deliveries and aid for Ukraine.<\/span><\/p>\n As a result of contracts totaling $12.4 billion, Poland has acquired a <\/span>substantial quantity of arms<\/span><\/a> manufactured in South Korea.<\/span><\/p>\n The <\/span>agreement<\/span><\/a> also encompasses industrial collaboration between Poland and South Korea, including technology transfer and licensed production in Poland. Consequently, starting in 2026, 820 upgraded K2PL tanks and 460 K9PL howitzers are slated for production in both countries.<\/span><\/p>\n Earlier this year, the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) <\/span>signed<\/span><\/a> a term sheet outlining the principles of industrial collaboration with Hyundai Rotem and Hanwha Aerospace for the planned production of K2PLs and K9PLs in Poland. The tanks will be serviced, repaired and manufactured at Wojskowe Zak\u0142ady Motoryzacyjne (WZM) in Poznan.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The license covers the supply of tanks for the Polish armed forces and export. Meanwhile, K9PLs will be manufactured by Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW), a Polish defense contractor. Further, PGZ, WZM and Hyundai Rotem <\/span>established<\/span><\/a> a consortium to produce K2PL tanks and accompanying vehicles for the Polish army.<\/span><\/p>\n OPPORTUNITIES<\/b><\/p>\n The potential for K2PL production appears promising. Defense experts highlight the modernization potential of the K2 and its prospects for export success. Successful industrial cooperation with South Korea could position Poland as an essential player in the European market for modern main battle tanks, benefiting both countries.<\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe establishment of a logistics and production hub in Poland would increase the attractiveness of South Korea\u2019s offer,\u201d said <\/span>Damian Ratka<\/span><\/a>, a defense expert from Defence24. Countries potentially interested in purchasing South Korean armaments include Romania, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and the Baltic states.<\/span><\/p>\n Central and Eastern European countries\u2019 interest in South Korea\u2019s offer may grow, considering the limited production capacity of Germany\u2019s defense industry, a major arms supplier in the region.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n \u201c54 Leopard 2A7 and 18 in option, are to be delivered to Norway from 2026 to 2031,\u201d Ratka offered as examples. \u201cIn comparison, until 2026, Poland will receive more than 540 tanks from South Korea and the U.S.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n However, potential production in Poland would not end production in South Korea. \u201cWorkshare is being negotiated, but it looks like the first 100 units of K2PLs will be built in South Korea,\u201d said Jedrzej Graf, chief editor of <\/span>Defence24<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n He added that South Korean production would expand further, and its success in the NATO market \u201cwould strengthen its position in other non-European markets.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n