Politics

Poland-South Korea defense partnership gains maritime dimension. Orka submarine program back on the radar

A high-level South Korean delegation led by Kang Hoon-sik, Special Envoy of the President of the Republic of Korea for Strategic Economic Cooperation and Chief of the Presidential Office, held talks in Warsaw with Sławomir Cenckiewicz, Head of Poland’s National Security Bureau (BBN). In parallel, Polish Minister of Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz met with Korean representatives to discuss industrial cooperation, technology transfer and long-term logistics frameworks for defense equipment.

Kamil Kusier executive editor 20.10.2025, 21:31 Reading time: 2 min

Polish and South Korean delegations talk at a table beneath the flags of both countries — fot. Przemysław Keler / KPRP

In brief

Sławomir Cenckiewicz, head of the National Security Bureau, met with Kang Hoon-sik, Special Envoy of the President of the Republic of Korea, and the talks covered technology transfer, localisation of military equipment production in Poland and a regional service centre for the European market. In parallel, industrial consultations were held by Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. Military and industrial circles point to possible South Korean participation in the ORKA programme, with KSS-II and KSS-III class submarines offered by Hanwha Ocean.

Key discussion points included:

Localization of production and maintenance of South Korean defense systems on Polish territory,
Establishing a European support and logistics hub for Korean equipment operated by NATO countries,
Deepening strategic cooperation beyond procurement contracts, towards a structured industrial partnership.

ORKA submarine program – Korean shipyards emerge as a potential strategic partner

In maritime defense circles, attention is increasingly turning to the possibility of South Korean shipbuilders entering the competition for Poland’s long-delayed ORKA submarine acquisition program. Shipyards such as Hanwha Ocean (formerly DSME), with operational experience from the KSS-II and KSS-III submarine classes, are positioning themselves as credible alternatives to traditional European suppliers from Germany and France.

Industry sources point to several potential advantages for Poland:

Partial construction or outfitting of submarines in Polish shipyards under license,
Technology transfer in AIP propulsion, combat systems and stealth hull designs,
Integration of Polish defense companies into the Korean global supply chain, with export potential,
Establishment of a Baltic support and maintenance base within Polish naval ports, serving both domestic and allied fleets.

Maritime logistics – Polish ports as strategic gateways for allied equipment

The ongoing deliveries of K2 main battle tanks, K9 howitzers and K239 Chunmoo rocket systems to Poland via maritime routes highlight the growing role of Gdynia and Gdańsk as military logistics nodes. The prospect of expanded cooperation suggests:

Development of dedicated military handling terminals within civilian port infrastructure,
Creation of dual-use service facilities capable of managing both land systems and future naval assets,
Positioning Polish ports as primary Atlantic–Baltic transit points for NATO’s eastern flank, with Korean involvement in logistics planning and execution.

Industrial implications – towards a Baltic defense production and service hub

South Korea’s global leadership in naval construction and auxiliary fleet support vessels places it in a strong position to engage with Poland not only as a buyer but as a production and logistics partner. If linked effectively with ORKA and the broader strategic defense framework, this cooperation could give Polish shipyards and maritime infrastructure a defined role in NATO’s Indo-Pacific–Europe supply corridor.

Source: Gazeta Morska · Compiled by: Kamil Kusier