Poland to buy howitzers, jets, and tanks from South Korea

Poland will purchase 48 FA-50 fighter jets, the first installment of 180 K2 Black Panther tanks and howitzers from South Korea, Warsaw’s defense minister said, as the European nation strengthens its army because of the war in Ukraine.

Russia’s February 24 invasion of Ukraine, which the government in Moscow calls a “special military operation,” has raised security fears among many former eastern bloc countries. NATO member Poland has promised to boost defense spending to 3% of GDP and increase the size of its army twice over to deter attacks.

Poland’s Minister of National Defense, Mariusz Blaszczak, said in an interview that the first units would be delivered this year, and there will be 180 K2 Black Panther tanks in the first order. Ultimately these tanks will be produced in Poland.

Blaszczak said the Eastern European country would purchase FA-50 fighter jets and howitzers from South Korea.

Minister Blaszczak said they were interested in purchasing three squadrons, totaling 48 aircraft. He added that the first aircraft would be delivered to the country in 2023.

South Korea’s Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) produces the FA-50 fighter jets, and Hyundai Rotem manufactures the K2 Black Panther tank.