Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, the Polish Minister of National Defense, has strongly criticized the recent arms deal offer from South Korea, deeming it “impossible to implement.”
In an interview with Radio Zet today, Kosiniak-Kamysz delved into the prospects of arms procurements initiated by the Law and Justice government in South Korea.
“The offer put forth by the South Koreans, particularly regarding financing, is deemed unacceptable. It lacks viability, rendering it unattainable. It fails to garner sufficient appeal for us to pursue,” expressed the incumbent head of the Ministry of National Defense.
In July of the previous year, framework agreements were brokered with South Korea for the supply of 1000 K2 tanks and over 600 K9 self-propelled howitzers to the Polish Armed Forces. Subsequently, detailed contracts were inked for the acquisition of the initial K2 tanks and K9 self-propelled howitzers from the Korean side.
The initial contract, valued at 3.37 billion USD net, sealed with Hyundai Rotem, entails the delivery of 180 K2 tanks spanning from 2022 to 2025. The subsequent execution agreement, valued at 2.4 billion USD net, reached with Hanwha Defense, encompasses the procurement of a total of 212 K9A1 self-propelled howitzers from 2022 to 2026.
Furthermore, in early December, a contract was formalized between the Armament Inspectorate and Hanwha Defense for the acquisition of K9 self-propelled howitzers (6 K9A1 units and 146 K9PL) for the Polish Armed Forces.