South Korea, Poland Forge Mutual Recognition Pact for Military Airworthiness

South Korea and Poland have finalized a deal to establish a mutual recognition process for military airworthiness certification, as announced by Seoul's defense procurement agency on Tuesday.

The bilateral agreement on airworthiness, a crucial measure for ensuring the safety of flight, was signed by representatives from Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and the Polish defense ministry.

Under this agreement, Warsaw will acknowledge Seoul's airworthiness certification for South Korean-made planes, and reciprocally, South Korea will recognize Poland's certification. The DAPA highlighted that Poland is the fifth country to sign such a mutual recognition process, following the United States, Spain, France, and Australia.

DAPA expressed optimism about the potential enhancement of South Korea's defense industry collaboration with Poland, foreseeing increased fighter jet exports to Europe.

In September 2022, Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) secured a deal to export 48 FA-50 light combat aircraft to Poland. As of Tuesday, KAI reported the completion of the delivery of 12 aircraft last year and outlined plans to deliver the remaining units between 2025 and 2028.