Two South Korean companies have signed a $5.76 billion contract with Poland to export tanks and howitzers, Seoul’s arms supply agency said on Saturday, after Warsaw agreed to a to increase arms imports in a context of tensions with Russia.

The deal, signed Friday in Poland, is part of South Korea’s biggest-ever arms deal, struck last month with Poland, which is seeking to bolster its military in the face of a Russian invasion of neighboring Ukraine. . Hyundai Rotem Co. will ship K2 Black Panther tanks, and Hanwha Defense, the defense unit of Hanwha Corp, will send K9 self-propelled howitzers to Poland, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said.

The parties did not announce the value of the entire deal, which South Korean media put at 20 trillion won ($15 billion). “As defense exports are extremely important in terms of sharing weapon systems, mutual logistical support and strengthening security alliances, this export agreement should contribute to our efforts to strengthen solidarity with European countries and expanding the limits of our security capabilities,” DAPA said. in a report.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, who took office in May, pledged to strengthen security cooperation with European countries that share the values ​​of democracy and market economies, while strengthening the defense industry in the face of evolving nuclear and military threats from North Korea. Yoon became the first South Korean leader to attend a NATO summit in Spain in June as an observer, warning of threats to those values.

Poland has agreed to buy 180 K2 tanks, an unspecified number of howitzers and 48 FA-50 fighter jets under the deal. Friday’s contract covers a first installment, DAPA said, without giving details on the numbers. A deal for the jets is expected next month. The invasion of Ukraine, which Russia calls a “special military operation”, has sparked security fears among many former Eastern bloc countries. NATO member Poland has pledged to raise military spending to 3% of gross domestic product and more than double the size of its military to deter attack. ($1 = 1,341.8100 won)

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