From K2 Tanks to Fighter Jets: South Korean Weapons to Protect Poland as Historic Defense Deal Unfolds

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol emphasized at a state dinner held Thursday night at the Blue House banquet hall to welcome Polish President Andrzej Duda and his wife, stating, “Weapons manufactured in South Korea will safeguard Poland’s land and skies.”

Duda is visiting South Korea as a state guest at the invitation of Yoon. Yoon stated that both countries understand the importance of national security better than anyone. He emphasized that Korean weapons will safeguard Poland’s land and skies, while Polish drones, contracted earlier this month, will protect Korean territory.

In 2022, South Korea signed a record-breaking arms system export contract worth $44.2 billion with Poland. Currently, export contracts for K2 tanks, K9 self-propelled howitzers, Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers, and FA-50 light attack aircraft are being implemented in stages. Duda responded by noting that, for the Polish people, South Korea has long symbolized progress and has been known as the Tiger of the East. He added that, with the import of Korean weapons, it has become a symbol of security. Polish soldiers are satisfied with Korean-made weapons, and through defense cooperation with South Korea, Poland hopes to export weapons to other countries.

Yoon attended the state dinner, First Lady Kim Keon Hee, Duda, his wife Agata Kornhauser-Duda, and representatives from both governments, business, and academia. Yoon expressed his hope that South Korea will further strengthen strategic cooperation with Poland, which shares the values of freedom, human rights, and the rule of law. He remarked that Duda’s visit marks the first step toward a hopeful and mature 35 years ahead.

Duda commented that South Korea is a model for Poland and that cooperation with South Korea is undoubtedly beneficial for Poland. He noted that both countries are on similar development paths, providing excellent collaboration opportunities.

The state dinner featured performances that combined Korean traditions with Polish classics. Master Shin Young-hee, a National Intangible Cultural Heritage artist known for Pansori (Korean traditional narrative singing), performed along with singer Yoo Tae Pyongyang, pianist Yoon Yeon-Joon, and baritone Lee Eung Kwang. The event concluded with a chorus of the traditional Korean folk song “Jindo Arirang.”

Duda and his wife expressed their admiration, noting that while they enjoyed Chopin’s music, they were deeply captivated by traditional Korean music.

Meanwhile, South Korea’s Presidential Office reported that First Lady Kim and First Lady Kornhauser-Duda visited Gyeongbokgung Palace for a social program before the state dinner. Kim also attended the official welcoming ceremony held at the Presidential Office in Yongsan that afternoon.