South Korea’s defense industry is making a significant impact at the International Defense Industry Exhibition (MSPO) 2024 in Poland, where it is not only showcasing its advanced military technology but also vying for major international contracts in a rapidly growing and competitive global arms market.
On the morning of Sept. 3, at the Targi Kielce Exhibition Center in central Poland, over 760 defense companies from 35 countries were busy making final preparations for the International Defense Industry Exhibition (MSPO) 2024.
This year’s event, expanded to mark the 25th anniversary of Poland’s NATO membership, has attracted major defense companies from the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and other leading nations.
South Korea has also made a strong presence, with 27 companies participating, ranging from industry giants like Hanwha Aerospace, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), and Hyundai Rotem to various small and medium-sized enterprises.
Since its inception in 1993, MSPO has grown to become one of the largest defense exhibitions in Europe, alongside Eurosatory in Paris and DSEI in London. Its significance has increased even further recently due to the prolonged Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has intensified military buildups across Eastern Europe and heightened competition among defense companies.
Even before the event began, South Korea’s defense industry had garnered considerable attention.
On Aug. 1, the event organizers highlighted the participation of South Korean companies on their official website, noting that the Korean defense industry would be taking a leading role at MSPO 2024., referring to them as an “Asian tycoon.” This recognition follows the prominent display of K-Defense products, such as the K2 tank, Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher, and K9 self-propelled howitzer, at Poland’s recent Armed Forces Day parade.
Interest in S. Korean defense products has surged not only from Poland and Romania, which have already signed defense contracts with S. Korea, but also from neighboring countries.
The successful exports to Poland have once again highlighted the strengths of South Korea’s defense industry, especially its ability to deliver products quickly and maintain high standards of quality. At this year’s event, South Korea is also showcasing its Jangbogo-III class submarines as it aims to secure multi-billion dollar contracts with countries such as Poland, Canada, and others.
In fact, S. Korea’s defense exports have seen a remarkable leap—from $250 million in 2006 to $3 billion in 2020. This figure is expected to reach a record $20 billion this year, driven by the global arms race. The number of export destinations has also grown, from four countries in 2022 to 12 last year, with plans to expand to over 15 countries by the end of this year.
This year’s MSPO is particularly significant as it commemorates Poland’s 25 years in NATO, with a strong emphasis on NATO alliances. As a result, defense powerhouses from NATO members like the U.S. and the U.K. have also increased their participation. To compete in this environment, South Korean defense companies have unveiled a range of next-generation weaponry.
Hanwha Group’s three defense units—Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Systems, and Hanwha Ocean—have placed a 1/10 scale model of the Jangbogo-III Batch 2 submarine at the center of their exhibition.
Also displayed is Hanwha Systems’ submarine combat management system (CMS) used in the Jangbogo-III class, aimed at securing the ‘Orca Project’, a $2.5 billion contract for three new submarines as part of Poland’s naval modernization. “In addition to S. Korea, defense companies from Germany, France, and Spain are also actively competing to secure this project.
Hyundai Rotem introduced the ‘HR-Sherpa,’ a fourth-generation multi-purpose unmanned ground vehicle (UGV), at the exhibition. Although two units have been delivered to the S. Korean military, this is the first time the vehicle has been publicly showcased. Developed in collaboration with Hyundai Motor Group, the HR-Sherpa leverages artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous driving technology to perform various military operations, including surveillance, reconnaissance, combat, and the transport of injured soldiers or supplies.
Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) is also positioning Poland as a gateway for expanding into the European market. KAI’s booth prominently features its FA-50 and KF-21 fighter jets, showcasing the company’s core portfolio. While seeking follow-up business opportunities with Poland, which has already received FA-50s, KAI also aims to explore new business with countries like Slovakia and Bulgaria, which are in the market for replacing their fighter jets.
