Poland Flexes Its Muscles: Partnering with South Korea for Europe’s Eastern Defense

In the context of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Poland has positioned itself as a key partner and defender of NATO’s eastern flank. Its defense modernization, driven by a growing partnership with two primary military allies—the United States and South Korea—has therefore taken on heightened importance for the alliance and transatlantic security. Notably, Polish President Andrzej Duda is currently on a state visit to South Korea (from October 22 to 25, 2024), where he will visit defense industry leaders Hyundai Rotem and Hanwha Aerospace, underscoring Poland's ongoing defense collaboration with South Korea—a commitment he reiterated in a recent address to the Sejm.

Once considered distant from traditional transatlantic defense concerns, the Indo-Pacific has rapidly become a focal point for both the United States individually and NATO as a whole. With China’s growing assertiveness and North Korea’s escalating threats, the region’s security now intertwines with European and NATO interests. The Poland-South Korea partnership must be viewed in this broader context. While it strengthens NATO’s eastern defenses, it also signals a critical shift toward addressing Indo-Pacific challenges as an integral part of transatlantic security.

The Poland-South Korea Partnership: Strengthening NATO’s Eastern Flank

Poland’s military modernization is critical to NATO’s eastern defense strategy. This process involves, among other things, Warsaw’s acquisition of South Korean military hardware—including K2 Black Panther tanks, K9 Thunder howitzers, FA-50 light combat aircraft, and K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers. In August, Poland acquired Husarz F-35s, with up to 32 joining its fleet, significantly enhancing its air force. These stealth fighters, paired with AGM-158 JASSM missiles (with a range of more than 1,000 kilometers and 450-kg warheads), strengthen Poland’s long-range strike capabilities. Poland has also incorporated 28 FlyEye and 24 Bayraktar TB2 drones, boosting its surveillance and combat capacity. 

Warsaw’s defense modernization—underpinned by 4.3% of its GDP in defense spending with plans to reach 4.7% by 2025—reflects its determination to reduce reliance on Soviet-era equipment and to strengthen domestic defense production. A key contributor to this transformation is South Korea, one of the world’s largest military exporters. Seoul’s willingness to transfer technology and co-produce weapons in Poland—exemplified by the 2024 memorandum of understanding between Poland’s WB Group and Hanwha Aerospace—supports Warsaw’s aspiration of becoming a regional military powerhouse.

The Poland-South Korea partnership cannot be fully understood without examining the US role in Poland’s defense strategy. In 2023, Poland signed a $10 billion deal to acquire 96 AH-64E Apache helicopters from Boeing, with deliveries expected between 2028 and 2032. These helicopters will work alongside the 250 M1A2 Abrams tanks purchased in 2022 and will make Poland the first country outside the United States to operate them. Warsaw has also secured F-35 stealth fighter jets and Patriot air defense systems. Last but not least, the United States opened a ballistic missile defense site in Redzikowo, establishing the permanent presence of its V Division in Camp Kościuszko. These actions enhance Poland’s air and ground coordination and modernize its military as it strengthens ties with the United States and improves interoperability with NATO forces. Yet, Poland’s increasing ties with Seoul also reflect a growing desire to diversify military suppliers, partially driven by concerns over potential shifts in US foreign policy.

Balancing Intra-European Defense Dynamics

Poland’s collaboration with South Korea not only bolsters NATO’s eastern flank but also reveals a rift in European defense strategy. Following the 2023 elections, the new government under Prime Minister Donald Tusk has adopted a more assertive stance on national security, reflecting skepticism about the EU’s ability to independently guarantee Poland’s defense. Tusk has emphasized the need for stronger ties with non-European partners, asserting that “we cannot rely solely on the EU for our security.” At the same time, the Polish PM urges greater strategic unity in Europe. He strongly advocates for the construction of a common European air defense system, emphasizing that Europe must enhance its defense capabilities to deter any potential external threats in the coming years. Tusk envisions a collective European project that could protect the continent and foster greater cooperation among national defense initiatives, calling for real action beyond meetings and fragmented efforts.

As the leading actor in NATO’s Enhanced Air Policing mission on the eastern flank, Poland aims to establish the Shield East infrastructure by 2028, further solidifying its military capabilities. Additionally, a 186-kilometer-long and 5.5-meter-high wall currently stands along the Belarus border, demonstrating Warsaw’s dedication to border security. Through military modernization and collaboration with global allies such as South Korea and the United States, Poland positions itself as a key force in NATO’s defense strategy. This partnership not only enhances Poland’s military capabilities but also supports the overarching goal of fostering a unified European security framework that effectively responds to both regional and global threats. By aligning its defense strategies with NATO’s transatlantic and broader Indo-Pacific goals, Poland reaffirms its commitment to collective security and resilience in an evolving geopolitical landscape.