Polish-South Korean defence cooperation enters a strategic phase

Advancing land and air platform programs

Poland’s Deputy Minister of National Defence, Paweł Bejda, met with Jong Gun Seok, Minister of South Korea’s Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), to review the progress of joint modernisation programmes currently underway.

Key among them was the signing, on 1 August, of a new executive contract for the delivery of an additional batch of K2 Black Panther main battle tanks. A portion of these vehicles will be produced in Poland at the Bumar-Łabędy plant, reflecting a shared commitment to localisation, industrial participation, and enhanced sovereignty in defence manufacturing.

Also reviewed was the rollout of the FA-50 light combat and trainer aircraft, which is being integrated into the Polish Air Force. These aircraft represent a major step forward in building a flexible, interoperable and modern training and light-attack capability within NATO standards.

ORKA submarine programme gains momentum

A particularly significant item on the agenda was South Korea’s proposal for the ORKA submarine programme, a flagship initiative to restore the operational capabilities of the Polish Navy’s underwater fleet.

Drawing on its experience with the KSS-II and KSS-III submarine classes, South Korea has offered comprehensive cooperation, including deep technology transfer, local production, and long-term support. The initiative opens the door for meaningful participation by Polish shipyards and defence firms, potentially revitalising national competencies in submarine construction and maritime defence systems integration.

Technology transfer and industrial integration

Deputy Minister Bejda reaffirmed that technology transfer, localisation of production, and supply chain integration remain top priorities for the Polish Ministry of National Defence. These principles apply across all strategic programmes and are seen as essential to developing a resilient, self-sufficient defence industrial base.

South Korea’s approach aligns with this vision, offering not just hardware, but also access to know-how, co-production frameworks, and future export cooperation. This model supports Poland’s broader goal of establishing itself as a regional hub for advanced defence manufacturing.

A long-term strategic partnership

The meeting between the two delegations underscored the strategic character of the Polish–South Korean defence relationship. What began as an arms procurement dialogue has evolved into a multi-dimensional industrial partnership covering land, air, and now maritime platforms.

For the Polish Navy, the ORKA programme—if realised with Korean support—could mark a historic step forward. It would not only fill a critical capability gap but also catalyse the rebirth of submarine shipbuilding expertise in Poland, positioning domestic industry for greater self-reliance and international competitiveness.