Poland has signed a contract with South Korea for the supply of weapons worth several billion euros – the first batches of equipment will arrive in the country before the end of the year.
South Korea will be the main supplier of tanks and howitzers to Poland – the countries have signed a contract for the supply of at least 400 pieces of equipment. According to Polish Minister of Defense Mariusz Blaszczak, quoted by the dpa agency on Friday, August 26, deliveries will begin before the end of 2022.
The first batches included ten South Korean K2 Black Panther tanks (Black Panther), as well as 24 K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers. In total, Poland, as part of the deal, will buy 180 tanks and 212 howitzers, which the South Korean side must provide by 2025, as well as ammunition for them.
The minister did not give details on the value of the deal, but according to dpa sources, it exceeded several billion euros. Earlier it was reported about Poland’s intention to buy more than 1,000 tanks, howitzers and aircraft from South Korea.
In early August, Blaszczak again said that in relation to Russia’s actions in the international arena, Poland intends to create “the largest land army” among European NATO member countries, and it should be ” very strong and numerous to inspire the aggressor. simply by having it fear”.
Poland needs new equipment because of aid to Ukraine
Poland began discussing the purchase of arms from South Korea in connection with the controversial situation on the issue of “circular supplies” of arms to Ukraine. According to this agreement, Poland handed over to the country T-72 tanks, BMP-1 armored personnel carriers, as well as several launch rocket systems and Dana self-propelled howitzers, which are in the reserve of the Polish Armed Forces, and to the return must receive arms from Germany.
However, there were tangible obstacles to the supply of German weapons, which led to an open condemnation of the German government by Polish politicians. In response, German Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock said the country’s authorities would study how to provide Poland with “active assistance in other ways.”
South Korea is one of the world’s largest arms suppliers.
South Korean equipment is in service in more than a dozen countries in the world, from Norway to Egypt and Australia. One of the main advantages over South Korean competitors is the price – for example, the cost of the KAI T-50 fighter (another name for the FA-50) in bulk purchase is allegedly about $ 30 million, which is cheaper than the American F-35 ( at least 77 million dollars in the main configuration. – Ed.).
Also, foreign states consider South Korea’s military equipment to be reliable and technologically advanced – the reputation of the developers, among other things, is facilitated by the proximity to North Korea, which has nuclear weapons.
Source: DW
Recall that in May it was reported that the German authorities promised Poland to transfer tanks to replace those sent by Warsaw to Ukraine, but did not do so.
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Source: korrespondent
I am David Wyatt, a professional writer and journalist for Buna Times. I specialize in the world section of news coverage, where I bring to light stories and issues that affect us globally. As a graduate of Journalism, I have always had the passion to spread knowledge through writing.