WARSAW (Daily Pakistan Online) Ukraine’s neighbor Poland on Tuesday received its first shipment of tanks and howitzers, weapons it bought from South Korea to bolster its defenses after Russia invaded Ukraine. According to Al Arabiya, EU and NATO member country Poland shares borders with both Russia and Ukraine. Poland has increased its arms purchases since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In July, it signed a deal to buy weapons from South Korea, including tanks, artillery and fighter jets.
Polish President Andrzej Duda said during a ceremony at Gdynia port on Tuesday that weapons are necessary to stop aggression. As part of the deal, Poland will initially purchase 180 K2 ‘Black Panther’ tanks manufactured by Hyundai Rotom. Poland has also purchased 48 K9 howitzers to be delivered this year, with about 600 more planned starting in 2024, with Poland starting domestic production in 2026.
Regarding its arms purchases, Poland said in July that it would buy 32 AW149 multi-role military helicopters worth 1.75 billion euros ($1.77 billion) from Italian arms maker Leonardo. Poland has also ordered 366 US Abrams tanks and a European surface-to-air missile system.
