Invasion of Ukraine prompts Poland to sign arms contracts

POLAND bought tanks, artillery and fighter jets from South Korean yesterday, saying it had learnt lessons from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The value of the contracts signed with Korea Aerospace Industries and Hyundai was not disclosed.

“We’re drawing lessons from what’s happening in Ukraine,” said Mariusz Blaszczak, Poland’s defence minister.

“Time is pressing, we need to equip the Polish military,” he added.

Officials said the first of 48 FA-50 fighter jets will arrive next year.

The aircraft will replace Soviet Mig29s currently being used by the Polish air force, and will operate alongside Us-made F-16 and, eventually, F-35 stealth jets.

Ahn Hyunho, the head of Korea Aerospace Industries, said the company would progressively transfer production of the planes to Poland.