[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] The Significance of Consensus on Supporting Ukraine

At the Korea-Poland Defense Ministers' Meeting, "Shared Goals"
Discussion on Accelerating the 2nd Implementation Contract for K-Defense Industry Exports

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] Lee Jong-seop, Minister of National Defense, who is on an official visit to Poland, stated on the 23rd (local time) after a meeting with Mariusz Błaszczak, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, "South Korea and Poland have reached a consensus on support for Ukraine." The specific details of the 'consensus' were not mentioned in the announcement.

In a press briefing broadcast locally after the meeting, Minister Lee said, "The Republic of Korea and Poland share common values of freedom, human rights, and the rule of law, as well as the same goal of world peace and prosperity," adding, "Poland has decided to actively participate in the Korean government's policies and the international community's efforts for peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula."

On the 23rd (local time), Defense Minister Lee Jong-seop observed the test firing of the K9 self-propelled howitzer at the Torun Artillery Firing Range in Poland, and then held a joint press briefing in front of the K9 self-propelled howitzer with Mariusz Błaszczak, Poland's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence.

Regarding the 'consensus' mentioned in the press briefing that day, there are also prospects that it might involve supporting Ukraine with domestically produced shells through the U.S. government. The U.S. side is currently increasing conventional shell production but still finds it insufficient. In fact, the U.S. has previously requested additional purchases of shells such as 155mm from South Korea to support Ukraine. As Ukrainian shells are depleted and U.S. stockpiles of shells provided to Ukraine decrease, the U.S. expressed its intention to purchase additional shells again this year.

During the meeting, the two ministers discussed accelerating the second implementation contract based on the general contract between Polish and Korean defense companies signed last year. The Polish government announced contracts to acquire 180 K2 Black Panther tanks, 48 upgraded FA-50 light attack aircraft, and 648 K9 self-propelled howitzers. Poland plans to import 180 Black Panther tanks from Korea starting this year as the first phase and produce 800 tanks locally in Poland as the second phase.

Minister Lee explained, "By forming a consortium between companies of both countries, Poland will establish the foundation for self-reliant defense, and Korea will create an opportunity to expand defense cooperation in the European region."

The two ministers agreed to establish and operate a regular consultative body of defense ministers to systematically manage defense and defense industry cooperation. Strengthening comprehensive defense exchange cooperation, including cybersecurity cooperation and military education between the two countries, was also discussed as an agenda item.

Minister Lee introduced, "Based on the experience of the armed forces of both countries operating the same weapons, we agreed to expand and develop defense cooperation through joint training, logistics, and technical support exchanges," adding, "To this end, we will actively cooperate to ensure that our military's weapon operation know-how can be transferred to the Polish military as soon as possible."

Additionally, the Korean Ministry of National Defense agreed to accept Poland's proposal to take a leading role in the International Defense Industry Exhibition (MSPO). Referring to a shooting demonstration using K9 self-propelled howitzers introduced by the Polish military from Korea and ammunition produced in Poland before the meeting, he said, "This demonstrates the achievements developed by both countries since the agreement in May last year," emphasizing, "Deputy Prime Minister Błaszczak and I agreed through today's meeting to further develop defense and defense industry cooperation between the two countries in a future-oriented manner."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.