Two South Korean companies signed a contract with Poland for the export of tanks and howitzers worth $5.76 billion
The contract, signed in Poland on Friday, is part of the largest arms deal in South Korea's history, concluded last month with Poland.
Hyundai Rotem Co.will supply K2 Black Panther tanks, and Hanwha Defense, the defense division of Hanwha Corp., will send K9 self-propelled howitzers to Poland, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said.
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol, who joinedin office in May, vowed to strengthen security cooperation with European countries that share the values of democracy and market economy, while developing the country's defense industry in the face of North Korea's growing nuclear and military threats.
Poland agreed to buy 180 K2 tanks,an unspecified number of howitzers and 48 FA-50 fighters as part of the deal. The contract, signed on Friday, covers the first tranche, DAPA reported, without specifying the figures. The fighter agreement is expected next month.