Poland and South Korea plan joint military exercises to test weapons

Poland and South Korea plan to soon hold joint military exercises in the European country to demonstrate the effectiveness of South Korean weapons and equipment in the Polish armed forces, the two countries' defense ministers recently said, according to the AP news agency.

Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak and South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-Sup held talks in Warsaw this week on security and support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia, as well as increased arms cooperation between Warsaw and Seoul.

After the meeting, Mr. Blaszczak said that a joint exercise called “Autumn Fire” would soon be held by the Polish armed forces, using newly acquired weapons from South Korea. He also said that steps were being taken to allow some equipment made in South Korea to be produced in Poland.

Poland is buying tens of billions of dollars worth of weapons and military equipment from South Korea as it beefs up its defense capabilities amid growing concerns over the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

New equipment from South Korea is also replacing equipment that Poland has supplied to Ukraine. Military equipment purchased by Poland from South Korea includes K2 tanks, Thunder K9 self-propelled guns, FA-50 trainer and fighter aircraft, and K239 Chunmoo missile systems.