Gliwice: Poland has signed a significant deal valued at approximately $6.5 billion to procure a second batch of K2 tanks from Hyundai Rotem Co., as confirmed by Seoul's defense ministry. This agreement represents the largest export contract secured by a South Korean defense contractor to date.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the deal involves the supply of 180 K2 tanks along with 81 support vehicles to Poland. This follows a previous contract signed in 2022 for an initial batch of 180 K2 tanks, part of Poland's strategic armament initiative in response to geopolitical tensions following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The production plan includes Hyundai Rotem manufacturing 116 of the new batch of K2 tanks, while the remaining units will be a Polish variant produced by a defense company under the state-owned PGZ. This marks the inaugural production of the K2 tanks within Poland. The manufacturing of the new batch will commence after the full delivery of the first batch by the end of this year.
The signing ceremony, held in Gliwice, southern Poland, was attended by South Korean Defense Minister Ahn Gyu-back and his Polish counterpart, Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz. Ahn emphasized the strategic importance of the agreement, stating it elevates the relationship beyond mere supplier and user dynamics.
Hyundai Rotem expressed its anticipation of forming a partnership with Poland for the joint development of ground-based weapons systems. The latest contract is expected to facilitate the domestic production of tanks in Poland, contributing to enhanced defense capabilities.
Prior to the signing, discussions between Ahn and Kosiniak-Kamysz focused on expanding cooperation in the arms industry. Ahn committed to supporting Poland in utilizing Korean weapons systems, including the K2 tanks and K9 self-propelled howitzers, and explored potential collaboration on Poland's other defense projects, such as its submarine acquisition plans.
Ahn extended an invitation to Kosiniak-Kamysz for a visit to Seoul, which the Polish minister accepted, indicating plans to visit at an early opportunity.