Poland Receives New Shipment of South Korean K2 Tanks, K9 Howitzers

Poland received a shipment of 7 K2 Black Panther tanks, 16 K9A1 Thunder howitzers, and 6 Homar-K rocket systems from South Korea on December 17 as part of its military modernization efforts.

The Polish Armaments Agency, operating under the Ministry of Defense, confirmed that the delivered Homar-K rocket systems will be installed on locally manufactured Jelcz 882.57 8×8 chassis. This delivery brings the total number of K2 tanks delivered in 2024 to 84, with 96 more expected next year under a $3.4 billion agreement signed with Hyundai Rotem in August 2022. The contract ensures the delivery of 180 tanks by the end of 2025 and includes provisions for training, maintenance, and ammunition.

Pawel Bejda, State Secretary of the Ministry of National Defense, stated that deliveries of K9 self-propelled howitzers are on schedule, while the arrival of Homar-K rocket launchers has been expedited.

As of now, Poland possesses 136 K9A1 Thunder howitzers, following the latest batch of 16 units. The contract, signed in August 2022, provides for a total of 212 howitzers by 2026, with plans for subsequent upgrades to the K9PL variant. To support local production, Poland aims to build an additional 460 artillery systems at a new facility, starting in 2026.

Regarding the Homar-K systems, 35 units have already been delivered, with a total of 290 units scheduled under two contracts. The systems, a Polish adaptation of South Korea's K239 Chunmoo, include provisions for ammunition supply and further development.