Poland Ain’t Playin’ Anymore
Now as we all know, the Polish government has embarked on a massive modernization drive for its armed forces. They have already inked deals to acquire M1A2 Abrams and F-35s from the U.S. and are currently looking at the Apache and Viper as new attack helicopters.
Potential Major Arms Deal with South Korea
But now there are reports that Poland may seal another, much larger arms deal that will dwarf those it has already made with the Americans. Over the last few days, reports have surfaced that suggest South Korea is about to sign one of its largest arms deals to date, with the Polish government.
While nothing is yet to be confirmed, it is believed that a memorandum of understanding is to be signed between Warsaw and a number of South Korean defense companies very soon. Possibly even a day after this is posted. Poland has already worked with Korea to develop the AHS Krab Self-Propelled Howitzer, but this new deal will dwarf that.
Details of the Potential Deal
If signed, it would see Poland acquiring:
- 1000 x K2 Main Battle Tanks from Hyundai Rotem,
- 670 K9 self-propelled artilleries from Hanwha,
- And up to 48 FA-50 light fighters from KAI (Korean Aerospace Industries).
Total cost, an estimated $14 billion.
According to the possible deal, both Hyundai and Hanwha would deliver the first batch of vehicles from their factories in Korea. While the remainder would be built in factories under licence in Poland, quite possibly making the Polish armed forces one of the most modern and powerful in not only Europe, but NATO as well.
~NC
