The Redback Korean infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) / Korea Times file

By Kwon Mee-yoo

Poland is mulling the purchase of the Redback Korean infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), also known as AS-21, in addition to a series of recent military equipment deals with Korea, according to the Polish defense minister.

Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense Mariusz Blaszczak wrote on his Twitter Thursday (local time) that the Polish government is looking for ways to strengthen its mechanized troops and considering purchasing the AS-21 IFV from Korea to complement its homegrown Borsuk IFV. He attached photos of the Polish Borsuk IFV and the Korean Redback to the text.

This is the first time that a high-ranking Polish official commented about importing the Korean IFV.

Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak writes about Korean infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) Redback to complement its homegrown Borsuk IFV, Thursday (local time). Captured from Twitter

According to Blaszczak, there will be a demonstration of the Redback in Poland next week.

An official from Hanwha Defense said the demonstration will showcase the Redback's performance to Poland and will not be an official evaluation for a bid.

The AS-21 Redback is an advanced version of the K-21 IFV, which is currently used by the South Korean army. The Redback is a fifth-generation IFV featuring a variety of state-of-the-art technologies, including composite rubber tracks and the Iron Vision helmet-mounted display. It is also known to provide protection against ballistic, chemical, biological and nuclear threats.

Poland's interest in the Redback came after a series of military deals with Korea. Korea and Poland agreed to a framework agreement in July, which includes K2 main battle tanks, K9 howitzers as well as FA-50 light attack aircraft.

Blaszczak originally planned to visit Korea this week to hold a meeting with his Korean counterpart Lee Jong-sup and attend the roll-out ceremony of Korean K9 self-propelled howitzers to be exported to Poland. However, he and his delegation was not able to attend in person.

The first K9 self-propelled howitzer to be exported to Poland is showcased at a roll-out ceremony at Hanwha Defense Co. in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, Wednesday. Yonhap

Polish Army Inspector of the Land Forces Maciej Jablonski and Poland's Ambassador to Korea Piotr Ostaszewski took part in the roll-out ceremony in Changwon, South Gyeongsang Province, Wednesday, which featured 24 K9 howitzers to be exported to Poland as part of a 3.2 trillion won ($2.2 billion) deal.

Hanwha Defense also signed a deal with the Polish armament agency to sell 288 Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers, which is estimated to be worth about $6 billion according to Polish media.