South Korea’s defence industry exports to Poland have risen to a trade surplus of $2.7bn during the January-April period, surpassing the US, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and India surpluses. Poland is now South Korea’s 5th biggest trade surplus partner. Korea shipped $255 million worth of K2 tanks and armoured vehicles to Poland, exceeding $201m exported in 2022, with Poland paying $460 million for the tanks. Last year, Poland signed for the purchase of $15.5bn worth of K2 tanks, K9 howitzers, and FA-50 fighter jets from Hyundai Rotem, Hanwha Aerospace Industries, and Korea Aerospace Industries.
The USA has also approved a $10 billion arms sale to Warsaw, and Poland boasts its own successful munitions program, whose many complex programmes have impressive added value in a country with a much lower technological potential than its competitors.
The Topaz integrated command system is one of the best of its type in the world, superior to its counterparts from Germany and the USA. Further successful products are the SAMOC and Łowcza-Reha anti-aircraft defence systems and SCOT ship command system. Polish industry has also developed radar, communications, optoelectronics, radio electronic and hydroacoustic reconnaissance technologies, as well as unmanned systems.
