Poland Signs $6.5 Billion Deal with South Korea for 180 K2 Black Panther Tanks and Support Vehicles

Poland has signed a $6.5 billion agreement with South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem for the delivery of 180 K2 Black Panther main battle tanks and 81 support vehicles. The contract was finalized during an official ceremony in Gliwice, Poland, attended by Polish Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and South Korean Defence Minister Ahn Gyu-back, highlighting the growing defense ties between the two countries.

This is the second major deal Poland has signed for the K2 tanks, following a 2022 order for another 180 units. The newly signed agreement is part of a broader framework that allows Poland to eventually procure up to 1,000 K2 tanks, signaling a long-term strategy to replace older Soviet-era tanks with modern platforms.

Delivery Plan and Local Production

The delivery of the tanks will take place between 2026 and 2030. The contract specifies that:

• 116 tanks will be delivered in the K2GF variant, manufactured in South Korea.

• 64 tanks will be delivered in the K2PL variant, which is a Poland-specific version with enhanced armor, firepower, and onboard systems tailored for European terrain and battlefield needs.

Production of the K2PL variant will begin in South Korea, with the first three units built there. Then, Poland’s Bumar-Łabędy facility, a subsidiary of the state-owned Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ), will take over production of the remaining 61 tanks, promoting technology transfer and domestic industrial capability.

Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that full-scale production in Poland will take place from 2028 to 2030, aligning with Warsaw’s goal to establish independent manufacturing capacity for next-generation armored vehicles.

Included Vehicles and Support Package

In addition to the main battle tanks, the deal includes:

• 81 support vehicles, such as armored recovery vehicles (ARVs) and bridge-laying tanks, designed to operate in coordination with the K2 fleet.

• Training and logistics support, including simulators and spare parts.

• A maintenance and repair infrastructure package, enabling Polish forces to sustain operations without relying on foreign repair hubs.

This comprehensive support will ensure the Polish Armed Forces are not just equipped but also operationally ready and capable of maintaining the fleet over decades.

Specifications of the K2 Black Panther

The K2 Black Panther is one of the most advanced tanks currently in service worldwide, developed by South Korea’s Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and produced by Hyundai Rotem. Key specifications include:

• Main Armament: 120mm L/55 smoothbore gun with an autoloader (3 rounds per 15 seconds)

• Secondary Armament: 7.62mm coaxial MG and 12.7mm heavy MG

• Armor: Modular composite armor with Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) and optional Active Protection System (APS)

• Engine: 1,500 hp diesel engine

• Suspension: In-arm hydropneumatic suspension system (ISU), allowing variable ground clearance and tilt for urban or mountainous terrain

• Speed: Maximum road speed over 70 km/h; reverse up to 30 km/h

• Crew: 3 (commander, gunner, driver)

• Weight: Approx. 55 tons

The K2PL version is expected to be heavier—around 60 tons—due to extra armor and upgraded battlefield systems, potentially including Polish or NATO-standard communications and fire control modules.

Strategic Context

Poland's increasing military procurement from South Korea is part of a broader shift in defense policy. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Warsaw has ramped up defense spending to 4% of its GDP, one of the highest in NATO. The country is seeking new-generation, NATO-compatible systems that can be quickly delivered and, ideally, produced domestically.

In recent years, Poland has also signed deals for:

• 48 FA-50 light attack aircraft

• 212 K9A1 self-propelled howitzers

• 288 K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers

The South Korea-Poland defense partnership has emerged as one of the fastest-growing in Europe, with technology transfer, joint production, and logistics support forming the backbone of these agreements. The K2 tank deal is a cornerstone in this growing alliance, aimed at reshaping Poland into a central hub for advanced armored warfare systems in NATO.

By securing these tanks and the associated production capacity, Poland is not only reinforcing its national defense but also positioning itself as a key player in European defense manufacturing for years to come.