|
The
contract, signed in Poland on Friday, is part of South Korea's
biggest ever arms deal, clinched last month with Poland, which
has been seeking to beef up its military in the face of Russia's
invasion of neighbouring Ukraine.
Hyundai Rotem Co. will ship K2 Black Panther tanks, and Hanwha
Defense, the defence unit of Hanwha Corp, will send K9
self-propelled howitzers to Poland, said the Defense Acquisition
Program Administration (DAPA).
The parties have not announced the value of the entire deal,
which South Korean media estimated at up to 20 trillion won ($15
billion).
"As defence exports are extremely important in terms of sharing
weapon systems, mutual logistics support and strengthening
security alliances, this export deal is expected to contribute
to our efforts to build solidarity with European countries and
expand the boundaries of our security capabilities," DAPA said
in a statement.
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, who took office in May,
has vowed to beef up security cooperation with European
countries sharing the values of democracy and market economies,
while boosting the country's defence industry amid North Korea's
evolving nuclear and military threats.
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 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 instalment, DAPA said, without
elaborating on the numbers. An agreement for the jets is
expected next month.
The Ukraine invasion, which Russia calls a "special military
operation," has raised security fears among many former Eastern
Bloc countries. NATO member Poland has vowed to boost military
spending to 3% of gross domestic product and more than double
the size of its army to deter any attacks.
($1 = 1,341.8100 won)
(Reporting by Hyonhee Shin; Editing by William Mallard)
[© 2022 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.]
This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Thompson Reuters is solely responsible for this content.
|
|
