South Korea’s defense giants are rolling into MSPO (International Defense Industry Exhibition) 2025 in Poland with new tanks, submarines, radars, drones, and artillery systems.
Hyundai Rotem, Hanwha Group, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), and Hyundai WIA are all using Eastern Europe’s largest defense expo to pitch next-gen platforms as demand surges from the Russia-Ukraine war.
European leaders have cautioned that the war could stretch on for years, with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warning it may “last a long time” and French Chief of Staff Thierry Burkard citing Russia’s resilience as a major hurdle.
That backdrop is fueling Seoul’s push to position itself as a supplier to NATO, building on sales growth over the past five years.
Next-Gen Platforms Taking the Stage
Hyundai Rotem is unveiling the K2PL for the first time, a customized version of its K2 main battle tank for the Polish armed forces.
The variant includes active protection systems and drone jammers, part of a $6.5-billion contract signed in July, and could serve as a model for future deals in Norway and Romania.
Hanwha Group is mounting an integrated display led by Hanwha Ocean, which is competing in Warsaw’s Orca submarine program.
The company is showcasing its Jangbogo-III Batch-II submarine, alongside lithium-ion batteries and hydrogen fuel cell propulsion systems developed with Hanwha Aerospace.
Hanwha Aerospace is also promoting the Redback armored vehicle, already exported to Australia, while Hanwha Systems is presenting its long-range L-SAM multifunctional radar.
KAI is focusing on unmanned capabilities. Its exhibit includes a next-gen air combat concept, multi-purpose drones, and air-launched effects designed for the Surion and Miron helicopters.
Hyundai WIA, expanding from automotive to defense, is introducing a lightweight 105mm self-propelled howitzer aimed at the European artillery market.
