MoD: Cooperation between Poland and South Korea regarding defense contracts is proceeding smoothly

- In response to emerging reports and articles in the Polish media suggesting that Poland is not negotiating contracts, is terminating agreements, and is not in discussions with the Korean side, I want to strongly emphasize that this is untrue. I categorically refute such claims—they are fake news. I want to inform you that Polish media are relying on certain reports from January 8, which appeared in the Korean public space. (…) We are engaged in talks with the Koreans. We also have confirmation from our defense attaché in Korea that the articles appearing in the Korean media are simply fake news - said Deputy Minister Paweł Bejda at a press conference.

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31 january 2025   |   11:13   |   Source: MON / Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. Ministerstwo Obrony Narodowej

- The existing contracts are being executed without disruptions, and none have been terminated. New agreements are continuously being negotiated with full attention to taxpayers' money. In December of last year, no visit to South Korea was planned. Given the ongoing discussions, we will not succumb to any pressure aimed at expediting the signing of additional defense contracts. These agreements must safeguard Poland's security interests and ensure cooperation with our defense industry - stated Janusz Sejmej, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, in an official communication.

Additionally, on January 30 in Warsaw, a press briefing was held by Deputy Minister of National Defense Paweł Bejda and Brigadier General Michał Marciniak, Deputy Head of the Armament Agency and the plenipotentiary for the construction of an integrated air and missile defense system, focusing on defense contracts signed with South Korea.

- The question remains whether such articles are, for example, backed by North Korea, as it appears to be cooperating with Russia. They have an interest in stirring unrest in the public sphere, including among Polish and Korean public opinion. It is also unclear whether these reports in South Korea stem from the complex domestic political situation and serve internal political purposes. I want to reassure our public—negotiations on Korean contracts are ongoing, and those contracts are being implemented. In fact, the delivery of K9 self-propelled howitzers last year exceeded 100% of the planned supply, meaning Korea delivered more equipment than we had contracted for 2024 - said Deputy Minister Paweł Bejda.

The deputy minister responsible for arms procurement for the Polish military assured that defense cooperation between Poland and South Korea is progressing smoothly.

- I also want to mention that just last Monday, I met with Minister Cho, the deputy minister of the South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), where we discussed the ongoing cooperation, including matters related to the K2 tank. We also talked about the delivery of other previously contracted equipment. These discussions took place in a very positive atmosphere. Minister Cho assured me that there would be no issues with the execution of current or future contracts. Negotiations are still ongoing. We understand that the political situation in South Korea is challenging, but I want to emphasize that the Armament Agency is negotiating directly with private entities in Korea - stressed the Secretary of State at the Ministry of National Defense.

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