South Korean defence official reaffirms strategic partnership with Poland Despite domestic political unrest

Hyunki Cho, a senior official from the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) of South Korea, visited Poland and reassured Polish officials that domestic political changes in South Korea would not impact their defence cooperation. 

This commitment was highlighted during discussions on ongoing defence agreements between the two countries, Caliber.Az reports referring to DAPA's website.

Hyunki Cho visited Poland on January 20-21, where he met with Polish Deputy Defense Minister Pawel Bejda. 

During their meeting, he reaffirmed that South Korea remains firmly committed to defence collaboration with Poland, regardless of any domestic political changes in South Korea. He also emphasized that Poland is one of South Korea's "most important partners" in the military-industrial sector.

The two sides discussed several agreements, including the supply of K-2 tanks, K-9 howitzers, FA-50 fighter jets, and Cheonmu multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS). The importance of finalizing a follow-up contract for the supply of tanks was particularly highlighted.

Hyunki Cho also visited Polish companies that cooperate with South Korean firms and reiterated that the South Korean government will continue to support defence cooperation projects in Poland, seeing the country as a key platform for promoting South Korean military equipment in Europe.

In July 2022, the Polish government signed agreements with South Korea to supply 980 K-2 tanks, 648 K-9 self-propelled artillery systems, and 48 FA-50 light fighter jets, along with a contract for 288 K239 Chunmoo MLRS. The total value of these contracts is $12.4 billion.

In early December 2024, South Korea's domestic political landscape shifted dramatically when President Yun Suk Yeol imposed martial law, leading to his impeachment by the parliament on December 14. Yun was later arrested on January 15, 2025, on charges related to rebellion. 

By Tamilla Hasanova