South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong Suk is undertaking a three-day visit to Poland, as reported by Korea JoongAng Daily. During the visit, the minister toured key defense facilities in Warsaw and engaged in high-level discussions aimed at strengthening military cooperation between South Korea and Poland. The Polish side, represented by senior officials, welcomed the opportunity to examine joint production programs and the potential expansion of collaboration in weapon systems for modern armed forces.
As part of the itinerary, Lee met with leaders of the Polish defense industry, including the head of the state-owned group Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa PGZ. The discussions focused on frameworks for collaboration in weapons production, technology transfer, and the integration of systems that could enhance operational capabilities for both nations. The dialogue underscored a shared interest in advancing defense-industrial ties through partnership, co-development, and potential co-production of next-generation platforms.
Additionally, Korean company Hanwha Aerospace announced a signed agreement with the Polish defense firm WB Group. The arrangement involves equipping Hanwha’s Chunmoo Multiple Launch Rocket System with WB Group’s command and control systems to meet Polish operational requirements. This collaboration highlights a broader trend of integrating Korean missile platforms with local Polish C2 infrastructure to improve battlefield awareness and responsiveness for armed forces in the region.
During the visit, Lee Jong Suk was scheduled to meet with Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak to discuss ongoing and future defense initiatives. The planned discussions would likely cover regional security dynamics, interoperability between allied forces, and potential future procurement or joint development programs that support regional stability.
Poland has emerged as a prominent buyer of Korean weapons systems, with reported contracts reaching substantial values. The aggregate value of these agreements has included major items such as K-2 tanks, K-9 and FA-3 self-propelled howitzers, and a variety of light air platforms. The long-term collaboration is framed as a strategic alignment aimed at modernizing Poland’s defense capabilities while expanding South Korea’s export footprint in Europe.
Earlier exchanges among South Korean, American, and Japanese defense chiefs emphasized a commitment to strengthening missile-defense cooperation in response to regional and transatlantic security challenges. The partners agreed to intensify joint exercises and information-sharing to improve readiness, with plans for regular security maneuvers and missile attack warning drills. These steps reflect a coordinated approach to deterrence in the face of evolving threats in the Asia-Pacific and broader Indo-Pacific region.
The ongoing dialogues and prospective agreements point to a multi-layered strategy: enhancing defense-industrial partnerships, improving interoperability of command-and-control systems, and reinforcing alliance-based security through coordinated exercises and capability development. As Poland continues to diversify its defense portfolio, collaborations with Korean manufacturers and European defense groups may shape future procurement patterns, contributing to both nations’ strategic defense objectives and regional stability in Europe and beyond.