Poland to Produce 180 K2 Tanks under License from South Korea

Poland has confirmed its plans to produce 180 K2 tanks under license from South Korea, with preparations for production set to begin as soon as possible.

This announcement came after Deputy Prime Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz concluded talks with a South Korean delegation, led by Minister of Defense Shin Won-sik, at the Representative Center of the Ministry of National Defense in Pruszków on June 20, 2024.

Deputy Prime Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz emphasized the significance of this cooperation, stating, “We have full confirmation of the will to cooperate and provide all technical information as soon as possible so that the Polish armament industry can prepare for the production of K2 tanks in Poland. This is a huge effort of the Polish Armaments Group. All efforts and resources are directed towards commencing the production as soon as possible. We are talking about another executive contract for 180 K2 tanks, which we want to sign during Kielce defence industry exposition. The goal is for tanks to be produced in Poland starting with current tranche."

The talks, which involved discussions on military cooperation, defense, and armament industry collaboration, also covered the ongoing stabilization activities on the Korean Peninsula and the prospects for further development of military relations between Poland and South Korea. The ministers co-chaired a meeting of the joint ministerial committee on bilateral cooperation in defense and the armament industry.

Kosiniak-Kamysz highlighted the strategic importance of South Korean equipment, already being delivered to Poland, which includes FA-50 aircraft, Chunmoo launchers, K9 howitzers, and K2 tanks. Minister Paweł Bejda recently signed a contract in South Korea for further Chunmoo launchers under the HOMAR-K program.

Minister of Defense Shin Won-sik reassured the Polish side of South Korea's commitment to cooperation, stating that any issues with information sharing or company collaboration would be promptly addressed. This aligns with Poland’s aim to ensure 50% of production and purchases for the Polish Armed Forces occur within Poland.

Deputy Minister Paweł Bejda added that discussions included not only the acquisition of South Korean military equipment but also potential interests of the Polish armament industry for the Korean side.