Poland and South Korea have signed an updated plan to implement their strategic partnership through 2028, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski announced on Wednesday following talks with his South Korean counterpart, Cho Tae-yul.

"The minister and I signed an updated plan after today's talks that provides for the implementation of our strategic partnership until 2028," Sikorski said at a briefing.

The strategic partnership, established in 2013, has strengthened ties between the two nations. The updated agreement covers cooperation in politics, the economy, defense, science, and culture.

Sikorski emphasized Poland's role as a key hub for weapons production in Europe, particularly in supporting Ukraine's reconstruction efforts. "Poland is the largest importer of military equipment from South Korea in the world. We would like to further develop this cooperation with the prospect of transferring production and technology to Poland," he said.

Poland and South Korea have deepened their defense cooperation in recent years. In July 2022, the two countries signed a framework agreement for the purchase of tanks, self-propelled artillery units, light attack aircraft, and multiple rocket launchers. This was followed by a $12.4 billion contract for the supply of 180 tanks, 48 self-propelled guns, aircraft, and MLRS to Poland. A second contract, estimated at $22 billion, further expanded military ties between the two nations.

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Joint consultative air force

Seoul and Warsaw decided in August to establish a consultative body between their air forces in order to strengthen their bilateral military cooperation, South Korean news agency Yonhap reported.

The outlet cited sources that the sides are negotiating the specifics of the consultative organization's establishment, including the launch date. It further stated that the body will function as a forum for discussing collaboration on military strategy, tactics, and the defense sector.

According to the agency, the body would also facilitate the exchange of operational data about the FA-50 fighter jets and a pilot exchange program. 

The parties will probably also discuss Poland's purchase of South Korea's freshly mass-produced KF-21 Boramae fighter jets.

Poland and South Korea are actively collaborating militarily, having inked a number of arms deals between the two nations between 2022 and 2023. The Polish side is expected to acquire 48 FA-50 fighter jets, around 280 K239 Chunmoo rocket artillery systems, 600 howitzers, and 1,000 tanks overall as a result of these contracts.

Back in 2022, the US approved a prospected arms deal worth $3.75 billion consisting of 116 Abrams tanks and related equipment to Poland.

"The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Poland of M1A1 Abrams Main Battle Tanks and related equipment for an estimated cost of $3.75 billion," the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) stated in a press release at the time.