Korea’s leading defense firms saw strong revenue and profit growth in the third quarter, driven by significant arms export deals. Combined operating profits for Hanwha Aerospace, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), Hyundai Rotem, and LIG Nex1 totaled approximately 753.8 billion won ($546 million) from July to September. Hanwha Aerospace’s profits were boosted by exports of K9 howitzers and Chunmoo rocket launchers to Poland. LIG Nex1 anticipates continued earnings growth after securing a 3.7 trillion-won contract with Iraq for its Cheongung-II missile defense system. These successes underscore Korea’s growing influence in the global defense market. Original news
Category: Poland
US government clears big upgrade package for Polish F-16s
The U.S. State Department has approved a foreign military sale to Poland worth up to $7.3 billion for the Lockheed Martin F-16 Viper Midlife Upgrade (MLU), according to the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. The MLU package includes 58 Improved Programmable Display Generators, test missiles, and 58 Northrop Grumman AN/APG-83 AESA Scalable Agile Beam Radars (SABR). Poland will also receive 58 Embedded GPS Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) with anti-spoofing capabilities and precise positioning features. Additionally, the sale includes 73 Northrop Grumman AN/ALQ-257 Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suites or 73 AN/ALQ-254V(1) L3Harris Viper Shield electronic warfare systems. This upgrade will significantly enhance […]
UK, Sweden Join European Ground-Launched Cruise Missile Effort
Sweden has officially joined the European Long Range Strike Approach (ELSA) initiative, formalizing its participation with a letter of intent signed by Defense Minister Pål Jonson. The decision was announced after a NATO defense ministers’ meeting, with Jonson emphasizing the importance of long-range strike capabilities highlighted by the war in Ukraine. The ELSA initiative, launched in June 2024 by France, Germany, and Poland, aims to develop a ground-launched cruise missile with a range of 1,000 to 2,000 kilometers. European defense company MBDA is expected to lead the missile’s development if the project moves forward. The United Kingdom also recently joined […]
Poland prepares for AH-64 Apache arrival
Following Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea and worsening NATO-Russia relations, Poland initiated the Kruk attack helicopter replacement program. The 2022 invasion of Ukraine accelerated Poland’s military spending and equipment modernization efforts. In September 2022, Poland announced plans to purchase 96 Boeing AH-64E Apache helicopters, formalizing the deal in August 2024 through the US Foreign Military Sales program. These Apaches will replace Poland’s aging fleet of Soviet-era Mil Mi-24 Hinds, significantly enhancing the country’s attack helicopter capabilities. Once delivered, Poland will have the world’s second-largest AH-64 fleet, marking a substantial upgrade in its military power. Original news
Poland To Upgrade Northeastern Defenses Before 2025
Poland will begin constructing the first elements of its enhanced defense lines along the borders with Russia and Belarus by the end of 2024. This project, driven by security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, involves a 10 billion zloty ($2.6 billion) investment in fortifications, surveillance, and anti-drone systems by 2028. Initial tests of the “East Shield” elements will be conducted within weeks, with cooperation from Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and allied forces from the UK and the US. Poland’s defense spending is set to rise to 4.2% of GDP in 2024 and 4.7% in 2025. Defense Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz expressed concerns […]
Hanwha Aerospace’s Europe land arms sales to double by 2027
#analysis Hanwha Aerospace, South Korea’s largest defense company, expects its European land arms revenue to double by 2027, driven by partnerships to produce arms in customers’ home countries. CEO Son Jae-il emphasized that many European nations now prioritize building domestic defense capabilities alongside purchasing arms. Hanwha has secured major deals with Poland and Romania, including joint production clauses, as part of South Korea’s broader defense export strategy, spurred by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The company’s order backlog surged to 30.3 trillion won by mid-2023, with exports exceeding domestic sales for the first time this year. Hanwha aims to become a […]
Lithuania Signs Deals With Saab, Kongsberg For MSHORAD, NASAMS, Air Defense Systems
Lithuania has placed a second order with Saab for Mobile Short-Range Air Defence (MSHORAD) systems, valued at SEK 1.2 billion, with deliveries expected between 2026 and 2029. The country had previously placed an order in July, worth SEK 1.3 billion, with deliveries starting next year. Lithuania is also strengthening its air defense by acquiring additional National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) units from Kongsberg, with a €193 million contract for upgrades and new systems. These efforts are part of a broader modernization of Lithuania’s air defense in response to regional security concerns. The contracts follow similar moves by other countries […]
Stressing ‘security, security,’ Poland goes big at hometown defense expo
At the 32nd International Defense Industry Exhibition (MSPO) in Poland, President Andrzej Duda emphasized the country’s focus on “security” as Warsaw announced approximately $520 million in new defense deals. Duda stressed the need to strengthen NATO forces and build new arms factories to enhance Poland’s defense capabilities. The event, held in Kielce, Poland, featured over 750 exhibitors from 34 countries, with the U.S. and U.K. having the largest foreign representation. Poland’s Armament Agency signed contracts for various defense equipment, including anti-missile systems, heavy-lift cranes, and contamination detection systems. Additionally, Poland showcased its defense products to international buyers, promoting its industry […]