Experts from the Ministry of National Defence of South Korea visited Targi Kielce.

“We are proud that the Polish Ministry of National Defence and the MSPO Program Board have chosen the Republic of Korea as the leading partner of the MSPO – the International Defence Industry Exhibition. We can present the latest achievements of our defence industry at the MSPO Lead Nation Exhibition,” said Captain Jinsol Park from the Ministry of National Defence of the Republic of Korea and Yeon-Jeong Cho, Deputy Director of the Ministry during their visit to Targi Kielce.

At the visit to the Kielce exhibition and congress centre, Ministry representatives were accompanied by Hyungdon Park from the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency and Euna Cho from the South Korean Defence Acquisition Program Administration of the Republic of Korea. The experts conducted a reconnaissance in the exhibition and congress centre and discussed Lead Nation Exhibition-related details. The discussions were attended by the president of Targi Kielce, Andrzej Mochoń PhD., director of the exhibition department Arkadiusz Krzeczkowski, MSPO project director Agnieszka Białek and representatives of the Ministry of National Defence, the head of the Coordination Team, Colonel Krzysztof Komorowski, defence sector expert Adam Mazgal, and the Ministry specialist Agnieszka Chryc.

South Korea holds the MSPO’s Lead Nation Exhibition for the second time.

South Korea has been appointed the Lead Nation role at the International Defence Industry Exhibition MSPO in Targi Kielce for the second time. The Program Board’s proposal and then the decision of the Ministry of National Defence to invite the Republic of Korea to organise the Lead Nation Exhibition was a natural step. The Polish government has resolved to purchase an extensive amount of military equipment from Korea. The agreements were signed at last year’s defence industry trade show in Kielce.

Korea held its first Lead Nation Exhibition in 2017. At that time, the vehicles and equipment weren’t the only thing to make an immense impression. “The taekwondo show was also breathtaking,” recalls the president of Targi Kielce, Andrzej Mochoń PhD.

The president of the Kielce exhibition and congress centre pointed out that after World War II, South Korea was in a similar situation to Poland. “Today we can learn a lesson from you. Korea enjoys a truly positive reputation in Poland,  the progress your country has made commands respect,” stressed Targi Kielce’s CEO. “We are glad that you have accepted our proposal. We are also grateful for today’s meeting; our intention is to prepare a top-level exhibition and the role of Korea as the Lead Nation translates into both parties’ success,” emphasised the president of Targi Kielce.

“Having seen your commitment and professionalism, we are convinced that this promise will take a real shape,” emphasised Captain Jinsol Park from the Ministry of National Defence of the Republic of Korea. “We are proud that Poland’s Government and the Ministry of National Defence have chosen us as the MSPO leading partner. We are happy to present the achievements of our defence industry at the Lead Nation Exhibition. We are convinced that this is also of great importance for the future cooperation between our countries,” noted Yeon Jeong Cho, deputy director of the ministry.

Presentation of the Republic of Korea’s defence industry’s cutting-edge achievements at Targi Kielce

During Tuesday’s visit, the experts from Korea took a close look at the conditions and opportunities offered by the Kielce exhibition and congress centre. Technical issues related to the presentation of the country were also discussed. The Orchestra of the Army of the Republic of Korea and the Orchestra of the Polish Army are set to perform at the official opening of the MSPO. The anthems of both countries will be played. The official ceremony will be followed with the Korean team’s taekwondo show held in the outdoor expo grounds.

The Lead Nation Exhibition prepared by South Korea will be a presentation of the country’s largest and most important defence industry achievements. Equipment ordered for the Polish army will also be available to see at Targi Kielce.

• The Hanwha company will bring Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers, which will soon be delivered to the Polish Armed Forces, and a multi-purpose uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV).
• Hyundai Rotem will show K2 tanks, which are already used in the Polish army, the K808 wheeled armoured vehicle, and mockups of defense UAV’s and unmanned ground vehicles.
• Kia Corporation will showcase its KLTV Reconnaissance light tactical vehicle and the hydrogen-powered ATV armoured tactical vehicle.
• The equipment display from SNT Dynamics includes the mortar system mounted on a light tactical vehicle.
• Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) will develop the space in an interesting way. FA-50 light combat aircraft, which will also serve in the Polish Armed Forces, and the prototype of the KF-21 multi-role fighter model will be on display.
• The expo stands of the Lead Nation Exhibition will also showcase LS MTRON, Poongsan and Huneed Technologies.

The Republic of Korea will provide details of the entire presentation at MSPO soon. The International Defence Industry Exhibition is held in Targi Kielce from 5 to 8 September 2023.