(From left to right) Lee Chang-Yang, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Resources; Kang Goo-Young, CEO of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Chairman of the Korea Aerospace Industries Association; Paweł Stańczyk, Chairman of the Polish Aviation Industry Association; Waldemar Buda, Minister of Economic Development and Technology. ⓒ The Federation of Korean Industries
[Newsimpact=Seoul/Jung Hee Lee ] - In a continuation of their deepening bilateral defense industry partnership that commenced last year, South Korea and Poland have further solidified their ties through a series of substantial military equipment contracts. The agreement, amounting to a staggering 17 trillion won (approximately $15 billion), comes as Poland seeks to bolster its national defense capabilities against perceived security threats from Russia, making Korean defense products a preferred choice due to their impressive cost-effectiveness.
The deal, signed last year, entailed South Korea exporting 180 K-2 tanks, 212 K-9 self-propelled howitzers, 48 FA-50 light attack aircraft, and Cheonmu multiple launch rocket systems to Poland.
Recognizing the exceptional value and performance of South Korean defense systems, Poland decided to pursue this strategic partnership to safeguard its security interests.
On the 15th of July, in a bid to further enhance cooperation in the aerospace industry, Kang Goo-Young, the CEO of Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) and Chairman of the Korea Aerospace Industries Association, signed a trilateral memorandum of understanding with representatives from the Polish Aviation Valley and the Polish Aviation Industry Association.
The signing ceremony took place at the Westin Hotel in the Polish capital, Warsaw. Among the notable attendees were Chairman Kang Goo-Young, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Resources, Lee Chang-Yang, Chairman of the Polish Aviation Industry Association, Paweł Stańczyk, Minister of Economic Development and Technology, Waldemar Buda, and Vice Chairman of the Polish Aviation Valley, Marek Błaszczyk.
The memorandum of understanding establishes a framework for the exchange of aerospace industry-related information, joint business ventures, collaborative research and development initiatives, educational programs, and conferences between Korea Aerospace Industries Association and the Polish Aviation Valley and Polish Aviation Industry Association.
Polish Aviation Valley comprises over 180 member companies, including subsidiaries of Safran Aircraft Engines and MTU Aero Engines, as well as Boeing Poland, among others. Meanwhile, the Polish Aviation Industry Association, a non-profit organization, boasts more than 30 member companies, including Pratt & Whitney Kalisz and Avio Aero Poland, in addition to several defense contractors.
An industry insider commented, "Through this agreement, the strategic partnership between South Korea and Poland will be significantly strengthened.“
The comprehensive cooperation pact sets the stage for the two nations to deepen their alliance in the realm of defense and aerospace, solidifying their positions as key players in the global defense market.
The cooperative efforts between South Korea and Poland are expected to not only foster mutual benefits but also bolster regional security and stability in Europe. As the defense industries of both countries continue to collaborate and innovate, the world will closely watch the unfolding of this dynamic alliance, poised to make significant strides in the defense sector.
By Jung Hee Lee
저작권자 ⓒ 뉴스임팩트, 무단 전재 및 재배포 금지