Following reports that South Korea has proposed transferring a decommissioned submarine to Poland, analysts say the move could significantly strengthen Seoul’s position in the European defence market.
According to Abhijit Apsingikar, Aerospace & Defense Analyst at GlobalData, South Korea’s offer to transfer the retired ROKS Jang Bogo, an HDW Type 209 submarine, to Poland at no cost would help Warsaw address immediate operational gaps despite its selection of Sweden’s A26 submarine for the Orka programme. “Despite the selection of the Swedish A26 submarine for the Orka contract by Poland, South Korea’s proposal to transfer the decommissioned ROKS Jang Bogo is expected to help the European nation address its immediate capability shortfalls,” Apsingikar said.
He added that the transfer would enable Poland to restructure its crew training and support the transition from ageing Kilo-class submarines to Western submarine technology standards, allowing Polish crews to adapt more rapidly when the A26 submarines enter service.
Poland’s Submarine Market and South Korea’s Defence Footprint
GlobalData’s Global Submarine Market Forecast 2025–2035 values Poland’s submarine market at approximately US$2.4 billion, with plans to acquire four submarines under the Orka-class programme.
South Korea already has a significant presence in Poland’s defence sector. Defence export deals exceeded US$10 billion in 2022 alone, with total exports to Poland estimated at US$13–14 billion to date.
“The proposed transfer of the Jang Bogo submarine is likely to further strengthen South Korea’s presence in Poland’s defence market and pave the way for expanded defence sales,” Apsingikar noted.
Existing Major Defence Contracts
Poland has concluded several large-scale defence procurements with South Korea, including:
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180 K2 Black Panther main battle tanks
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48 FA-50 light combat/training aircraft
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212 K239 Chunmoo multiple launch rocket systems
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212 K9 self-propelled howitzers, with an additional 162 units announced
Poland’s Krab self-propelled howitzer is based on the K9 chassis, and the country has signed a licensing agreement to domestically produce the K9A1 variant.
Strategic Implications
Given this extensive industrial and operational relationship, South Korean defence companies are well positioned to promote additional systems within Poland’s procurement framework.
“If realised, the submarine transfer is also expected to support follow-on orders and demonstrates South Korea’s willingness to go the extra mile to support allies and strategic partners,” Apsingikar said, particularly as Poland remains concerned about potential spillover from the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
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