Polish Defense Company Chairman Visiting Korea... Additional Weapon Procurement Possible

by Yang Nakgyu

Published 17 Apr.2023 09:54(KST)

Visits to Hyundai Rotem, Hanwha Aerospace, and KAI

Sebastian Chwałek, chairman of PGZ, Poland's state-owned defense company (photo), will visit Korea on the 17th. He plans to inspect production facilities by visiting Hyundai Rotem and Hyundai Motor Group's Namyang Research Institute, Hanwha Aerospace, and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), which have exported defense products to Poland.

On December 6 last year (local time), attendees are taking a commemorative photo at the "Poland K2 Tank Delivery Welcome Ceremony" held in Gdynia, Poland. The fourth person from the left is Sebastian Chwałek, Chairman of PGZ.

According to industry sources on the day, "Chairman Chwałek is understood to have come to Korea for a final inspection to discuss the localization of Korean weapons in Poland."

PGZ is a defense group that integrates 31 Polish state-owned defense companies, and cooperation with PGZ is essential for exporting Polish defense products.

Chairman Chwałek will visit Hyundai Rotem and Hyundai Motor Group's Namyang Research Institute on the 18th and 19th. It is expected that contract negotiations for the Polish version of the K2 tank project (K2PL) will be discussed at this meeting. The K2PL export is expected to exceed 800 units, with a minimum value of over 15 trillion won. Chairman Chwałek is likely to discuss support plans for building tank production capabilities within Poland.

On the 20th, he will visit Hanwha Systems and Hanwha Aerospace. Last year, Hanwha Aerospace exported K9 self-propelled howitzers and Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers worth about 8 trillion won to Poland. In particular, negotiations are underway for the production of the K9 self-propelled howitzer for Poland (K9PL), and final adjustments are expected.

On the 21st, he will meet with Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). Last year, KAI signed a contract to export 48 FA-50 aircraft. KAI plans to establish an FA-50 aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) center and secure local production capabilities based on a strategic partnership with Polish local companies. In the mid to long term, KAI also plans to promote the establishment and operation of an international flight training school utilizing the Polish Air Force's FA-50s.