Poland, South Korea Discuss Local K2 Tank Production

A meeting between deputy defense ministers of Poland and South Korea on November 27 focused on defense cooperation, including a potential agreement for producing K2 tanks locally for the Polish Armed Forces.

Poland’s Deputy Minister Bejda emphasized the urgency of finalizing terms for the Polonization of K2 tanks, an effort involving the Polish Armaments Group and Hyundai Rotem, the South Korean manufacturer. Bejda assured Poland’s readiness to sign the agreement once favorable conditions are met.

South Korea’s Deputy Minister Il Sung expressed support for Poland’s position, pledging to expedite the agreement. The deal aims to facilitate local production, enabling Poland’s defense industry to acquire technologies for tank production and maintenance.

The ministers also discussed broader military cooperation, including experience-sharing between the armed forces of both nations and potential joint research and development projects in defense technology. Both sides emphasized the importance of mutual trust and collaboration in addressing shared security challenges.

This meeting builds on prior progress in the K2 tank program. In late October, Polish President Andrzej Duda announced nearing a deal to produce K2 tanks in Poland during his visit to Busan, South Korea. The project is part of Poland’s strategy to modernize its military in response to Russia’s actions in Ukraine.

Hyundai Rotem initially agreed to supply Poland with 1,000 K2 tanks under a $3.24 billion contract signed in 2022 for 180 tanks. Discussions are ongoing to finalize production details, with another export contract anticipated by year-end.

Two weeks ago, Poland deployed the first batch of K2 Black Panther tanks in Braniewo, 153 km from the border with Russia’s Kaliningrad region. Back in June, Poland confirmed its plans to produce 180 K2 tanks under license from South Korea, with preparations for production set to begin as soon as possible.