Korean armaments are getting into Ukraine

Other countries are supplying Ukraine with Korean-made weapons despite Seoul's own reluctance to do so, according to foreign media reports.

The self-propelled K-9 Thunder howitzer, manufactured by Hanwha Defense, on the move. [JOINT PRESS CORPS]

Other countries are supplying Ukraine with Korean-made weapons despite Seoul's own reluctance to do so, according to foreign media reports.

Polish public radio reported Sunday that Poland — a European Union member that has adopted a strong stance against Russia's invasion — has given Ukraine 18 AHS Krab self-propelled howitzers as Kyiv fights to defend its eastern Donbas region from a massive Russian assault.

The AHS Krab howitzer combines a British AS-90M Braveheart turret with a 155mm 52-calibre gun and WB Electronics' Topaz artillery fire control system with the chassis, or load-bearing vehicle frame, of Korean K-9 Thunder howitzers.

The K-9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer has been a major success for Korea's defense industry since its development by Samsung Techwin in 1999. Over 600 units have been exported to countries like Norway, Poland, Estonia, Finland, India and Turkey. Australia is set to introduce the K-9 after signing an agreement with Hanwha Defense, the howitzer's manufacturer, in December.

Citing a Polish government source in the report, Polish Radio also reported that Polish forces trained 100 Ukrainian artillerymen in preparation for the deployment of the Krab howitzers to the frontlines of the war.

Canada has asked Korea to supply it with artillery rounds to replenish ammunition stocks that Ottawa sent to Kyiv, according to Seoul's defense ministry.

A defense ministry spokesman confirmed with Reuters that Ottawa made the request, but only added that "no official proceedings are underway related to the request."

Korea is a major manufacturer of 155 mm ammunition, and a defense official who spoke to Korean broadcaster SBS on condition of anonymity said the country could sell up to 100,000 shells to Canada below market value.

Faced with heavy shelling in its eastern provinces, Ukraine has called on the West as well as Korea — the world's sixth largest arms exporter — to provide it with more longer-range weapons to turn the tide in the war.

Seoul has balked at Ukrainian requests for lethal weapons, citing the country's diplomatic and security situations and the impact on its own military's readiness posture.

It has provided Kyiv with humanitarian relief and non-lethal military supplies such as bulletproof helmets, blankets and medical supplies, according to Seoul's defense ministry.

Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov requested anti-aircraft weapons from Suh Wook, defense minister at the time, during a call in early April. But Seoul said it would be unable to provide lethal weapons to Ukraine.

In a May 9 call with senior defense officials of its allies, U.S. Defense Secretary Austin Lloyd also pressed for more weapon deliveries to Ukraine.

According to multiple Korean military sources, the U.S. defense officials during the call suggested that "if it is difficult to send weapons directly to Ukraine given each country's relationship with Russia, the U.S. will intervene," implying the U.S. would facilitate the transfer of weapons to Ukraine.

A Korean military source who asked not to be named said the administration of former President Moon Jae-in was very negative about the U.S. proposal, but the United States expects "a more forward-looking position" from the Yoon Suk-yeol administration.

Meanwhile, Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup held talks with his Polish counterpart Mariusz Błaszczak on Monday and exchanged views on defense cooperation, the Defense Ministry said Monday.

BY MICHAEL LEE [lee.junhyuk@joongang.co.kr]