Polish-Korean Talks Continue With Further K239 And Missiles Procurement
The scheduled visit of the representatives of the Polish government responsible for industry and defense began on the 22 April with talks with South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration and discussions over future procurement programs from South Korean companies. Poland has granted many frameworks and executive agreements with Hyundai-Rotem and Hanhwa leading to deliveries of K9 howitzers, K2 Main Battle Tanks, and M239 MLRS launchers. However, the expanding needs of the Polish Armed Forces and the necessity to finish modernization programs push the coalition government of Civic Platform and Third Way Party to continue talks with South Korean partners to establish solid foundations for exploiting the obtained equipment.
Now, as the transfer of technologies has become critical for increasing the competencies of the domestic military industry and securing the deliveries for local needs, Poland may get access to technologies never utilized before by local manufacturers. However, the offset agreement is the subject of talks with the South Korean government and there are many factors to include. One of them is the willingness of the Korean manufacturers to share their knowledge on the production of the KTSSM. According to the Armament Agency co-responsible for equipment procurement, talks with the Hanhwa Aerospace representatives are being conducted regarding the transfer of some technologies, including missile manufacture. Poland will also adapt the 122mm missile containers manufactured at Mesko for the K239 system.
Polish Armed Forces have just secured the procurement of several thousand KTSSM Block II to restore the tactical rocket artillery units that were dissolved in 2005. The KTSSM Block II will enable the striking of targets at distances between 80 to 290km, a capability that the Polish Army lacked. The official trial of the KTSSM launch from a Polish K239 took place on 24 April, during the visit of the representatives of the Polish MoD.
The K239 procurement and domestication remains one of the top priorities for the Polish Armed Forces and Ministry of Defense, following the expansion plans and declarations by the previous government. Especially important is the restoration of long-lost capabilities which have proven critical in the ongoing War in Ukraine.