Poland has completed the acquisition of 212 South Korean K9 self-propelled howitzers, a purchase intended to replace equipment provided to Ukraine and bolster the nation’s artillery capabilities. These howitzers, costing $2.4 billion, were delivered remarkably quickly, with the entire order fulfilled within three years of the contract’s signing. Further, Poland has ordered an additional 152 howitzers, with deliveries scheduled through 2027, as it aims to build the most powerful artillery fleet in Europe. While the rapid delivery showcases South Korea’s defense industry efficiency, Poland faces the challenge of securing ammunition and localizing missile production to fully realize its strategic goals.
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James Clapper, a former Obama administration official and Trump critic, was barred from attending the graduation ceremony of a K9 officer he sponsored and named after his deceased wife, Susan. The order to exclude Clapper came from an executive order. This action stemmed from Trump’s past conflicts with Clapper, including testimony regarding Russian interference and critical public statements. Despite the graduation not being a classified event, CIA officials interpreted Trump’s order as a ban from agency property, leading to Clapper’s exclusion.
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A South Korean delegation recently visited Ottawa to discuss potential defense equipment sales with the Canadian government, highlighting the K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer as a key offering for Canada’s Indirect Fires Modernisation program. This visit signifies a potential shift away from traditional American suppliers due to strained US-Canada relations. The K9’s advanced capabilities, NATO compatibility, and proven performance in extreme cold weather make it a strong contender, offering Canada a path to modernizing its artillery and diversifying its defense partnerships. This could deepen bilateral defense cooperation between Canada and South Korea, potentially leading to further sales of advanced defense equipment.
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John Q. Hosedrinker