K-Defense on Display at the Polish Defense Exhibition

27 Korean Defense Firms Participate
Showcasing Submarines, Tanks, and More

The largest defense industry exhibition in Eastern Europe, 'MSPO 2025,' opened on September 2 (local time) in Kielce, Poland. This year's MSPO exhibition, which runs until September 5, features participation from over 400 defense companies from 31 countries. Twenty-seven Korean defense companies are also taking part, seeking to expand 'K-Defense' into Europe based on their strategic partnership with Poland.

In particular, at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit in June, NATO member states agreed to increase their defense spending, including indirect costs, to 5% of GDP (with direct defense spending at 3.5% of GDP) by 2035. As a result, Korean defense companies are focusing on developing strategies tailored for the European market.

On the opening day of MSPO, visitors' attention was drawn to Korean weapon systems and the booths of Korean defense companies. At the entrance of the venue, near the booth of the Polish Ministry of National Defense, Hyundai Rotem's K2 tank, which is being exported to Poland, was on display. Next to the K2 tank were Germany's Leopard tank and the United States' Abrams tank. Promotional videos for Hanwha Ocean's 3,000-ton-class submarine 'Jangbogo-III Batch-II,' targeting Poland's 'Orka Project,' were shown at various locations, including the entrance, creating a lively atmosphere. The Orka Project is an 8 trillion won initiative by Poland to introduce three new submarines as part of its naval modernization program.

At this exhibition, nine defense companies, including Korea Aerospace Industries, SNT Dynamics, SNT Motiv, Poongsan, Hanwha Systems, Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Ocean, Hyundai Rotem, and Hyundai Wia, set up independent booths. Ten companies, such as Kyungchang Industry, D&B, Vistacom, Shinan Information & Communication, Arion Communication, Xbeam Tech, Woosung C-Tech, Contromax, Cox, and Taekyung Electronics, were located in the 'Integrated Korea Pavilion' operated by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration. Additionally, eight companies established booths in the separately organized 'Gyeongnam Pavilion.'

The three Hanwha defense affiliates (Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Systems, and Hanwha Ocean) set up a 299-square-meter integrated booth. Hanwha Ocean, which is competing for the Orka Project, is promoting the Jangbogo-III Batch-II as the most powerful diesel submarine of its class currently available, competing with France and Germany. The Jangbogo-III Batch-II is reportedly the first in the world to be equipped with lithium-ion batteries and an air-independent propulsion (AIP) system, giving it the longest underwater endurance among non-nuclear submarines.

Hanwha Aerospace showcased the multiple launch rocket system 'Chunmoo' and the upgraded 'K9A2' self-propelled howitzer. The K9A2 features a fully automated loading system, increasing the rate of fire from six rounds per minute to more than nine, and reducing the crew size from five to three. Hanwha Systems presented its long-range surface-to-air missile system (L-SAM) and a small synthetic aperture radar (SAR), among other technologies.

Hyundai Rotem unveiled the Polish version of the K2 tank. Previously, Hyundai Rotem signed a second-phase implementation contract with Poland worth approximately 9 trillion won for K2 tanks. Hyundai Wia exhibited its lightweight 105mm self-propelled howitzer. This howitzer has a maximum range of 18 kilometers and can be mounted on small tactical vehicles. Hyundai Wia has accumulated experience and technical expertise by supplying large-caliber artillery for the K2 tank and K9 self-propelled howitzer. Based on this, the company plans to export its mobility-based firepower systems to Poland and other European countries. The Polish MSPO is considered one of the three major defense industry exhibitions in Europe, alongside France's Eurosatory and the United Kingdom's DSEI.

A government official stated, "At this year's MSPO exhibition in Poland, our government and defense companies are working as one team to actively promote K-Defense. We expect this will serve as an opportunity to spread the trust and achievements of K-Defense, which has been centered on Poland, throughout Europe."