Minister Ahn Gyu-back Launches Defense Diplomacy with Visit to Poland

Attends signing ceremony for second batch of K2 tanks, marking Korea's largest-ever arms export contract.

Discusses strategic cooperation in defense and the arms industry.

As his first official defense diplomacy mission, Minister Ahn Gyu-back will visit Poland, where he will attend a signing ceremony for the second batch of K2 tanks. The two leaders will also discuss ways to strengthen strategic cooperation between South Korea and Poland.

The Defense Ministry announced on July 30 that Minister Ahn Gyu-back will visit Poland from July 31 to August 2 at the invitation of the Polish Ministry of Defense.

Minister Ahn will hold a Korea-Poland Defense Ministerial meeting with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Władysław Marcin Kosiniak-Kamysz of Poland on August 1 (local time). During the meeting, they will discuss ways to deepen strategic cooperation in military affairs and the arms industry. The two ministers will attend a signing ceremony for the second batch of K2 tanks in Gliwice, Poland. Minister Ahn will showcase the strength of Korea's defense industry and reaffirm the nation's commitment to strengthening its partnership with Poland.

The contract for the second batch of K2 tanks, finalized earlier this month, is valued at USD 6.5 billion (approximately KRW 9 trillion), marking Korea's largest-ever single defense export deal. It is also the first large-scale defense export agreement concluded under the Lee Jae-myung administration. Although the number of tanks in the second batch remains the same as in the initial agreement, the contract value has reportedly doubled due to additional development work and local production in Poland.

While the first contract involved the export of K2 tanks produced in Korea, the second batch will include both K2 tanks manufactured in Korea and K2PL variants specially developed to meet the requirements of the Polish military. Of the 180 tanks to be supplied, 117 will be produced by Hyundai Rotem in Korea, while 63 units will be locally manufactured by Polish defense company PGZ. A new K2 tank manufacturing facility will also be built in Poland.

The Defense Ministry stated that the signing of the second batch K2 tank deal will help solidify a mutually beneficial partnership, building on the strong ties between South Korea and Poland. During his visit, Minister Ahn will discuss various ways to strengthen strategic cooperation aimed at promoting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and the broader region, as well as enhancing defense and arms industry collaboration.

By Byeong-No, Yun <[email protected] >

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