South Korea to Transfer Jang Bogo-Class Submarine to Poland by Late 2025

South Korea to Transfer Jang Bogo-Class Submarine to Poland by Late 2025

South Korea is preparing to transfer a Jang Bogo-class submarine to Poland by the end of 2025, according to emerging defense reports highlighting the expanding security cooperation between Seoul and Warsaw. The move represents a notable step in Poland’s naval modernization efforts and reinforces South Korea’s growing role as a supplier of defense platforms within Europe.

Background on the Transfer Plan

The initiative follows ongoing discussions between both governments linked to Poland’s broader acquisition of South Korean defense systems. In recent years, Warsaw has purchased a range of K-defense platforms, including K2 main battle tanks, K9 self-propelled howitzers, and FA-50 light combat aircraft. The submarine transfer aligns with this expanding portfolio, signaling diversification beyond land and air systems.

The Jang Bogo-class submarine, derived from the German Type 209/1200 design, has been a core component of the Republic of Korea Navy fleet since the 1990s. While South Korea advances to more modern platforms such as the Dosan Ahn Chang-ho–class submarines, the transfer will enable Poland to enhance its undersea operational capacity at minimal acquisition cost.

Details of the Arrangement

According to the available reporting, the submarine will be provided as a free transfer rather than a sales contract. This approach may facilitate Poland’s ability to reconstitute its submarine force after the decommissioning of legacy vessels, including the aging Kobben-class platforms. The delivery timeline places the handover before the close of 2025, pending refurbishment and readiness assessments.

The transfer is expected to be accompanied by technical support, training provisions, and logistical assistance, enabling Poland to integrate the vessel into its naval structure. The development occurs as Poland reassesses maritime security requirements in the Baltic Sea, where undersea surveillance, deterrence posture, and fleet renewal have become increasing priorities.

Strategic and Policy Implications

Defense analysts note that the arrangement reinforces South Korea’s emergence as an influential defense partner in Europe. Warsaw’s expanding procurement links with Seoul have been driven by rapid delivery schedules, scalable production capability, and the need to respond to evolving regional security dynamics.

For Poland, the submarine transfer may serve as an interim measure while pursuing longer-term acquisition strategies. The nation has explored multiple avenues for future submarine procurement, including potential participation in European collaborative programs or bilateral sourcing options.

The development also highlights shifting naval capability patterns among NATO members bordering the Baltic Sea. Enhanced undersea assets contribute to surveillance coverage, anti-access operations, and resilience against hybrid maritime activity.

What Comes Next

Further details regarding crew training cycles, modernization work, and operational deployment timelines are expected in the coming months. Once integrated, the Jang Bogo-class submarine would provide Poland with renewed undersea capability while informing its long-term fleet planning priorities.

The transfer underscores a continuing trend of strengthened defense ties between South Korea and European partners, with naval cooperation now joining land and air domain collaboration already in progress.