The 32nd International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO), one of Europe's largest defense exhibitions, will be held in central Poland from Tuesday to Friday. About 800 companies from 35 countries are expected to participate in the event in Targi Kielce, an exhibition and congress center.
Poland has been beefing up its military in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In 2022, Korean firms, including Hanwha Aerospace, Hyundai Rotem and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), secured a total of 17 trillion won ($12.4 billion) in arms contracts with Poland.
"Poland has opened the door for Korean defense firms in Europe, significantly elevating their global status in the sector," an industry expert said. "We hope this year's MSPO will serve as a stepping stone for securing follow-up business in Poland and further penetrating the European market."
At this year’s event, Hanwha Aerospace and its sister defense contractors plan to focus on submarine technology, eyeing Poland's Orka Project, a naval modernization program estimated at about 3.3 trillion won. The project aims to acquire three new submarines for the Polish Navy.
Hyundai Rotem, a major defense and railway system manufacturer, is in negotiations for additional K2 tank contracts with Poland, following an initial agreement for 1,000 tanks in 2022.
KAI, which has already delivered 12 FA-50 fighter jets to Poland, plans to showcase its next-generation KF-21 fighter jets and various unmanned aerial vehicles.
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