Joint program includes assembly, technology transfer, and NATO deployment milestone
Poland has formally launched the domestic production of K2PL main battle tanks, a localized version of South Korea’s K2 Black Panther, as part of a $6.7 billion defense agreement. The deal, signed at the Bumar-Łabędy plant in Gliwice, marks the second phase of Poland’s tank acquisition program and expands the defense partnership between Hyundai Rotem and Polish Armament Agency under the Wilk modernization initiative.
Under the contract, 180 K2 tanks will be delivered, including 63 K2PL units to be assembled in Poland and 117 manufactured in South Korea. The localized K2PL variant integrates Polish-specific modifications such as:
- Reinforced modular armor
- Explosive reactive armor (ERA) blocks
- Active protection systems
- Electronic warfare suite against drones
- Remote-controlled weapon station and panoramic battlefield awareness
Production at Bumar-Łabędy is scheduled to begin in 2026, with an annual output target of 50 tanks by 2028, aiming to support not only Polish forces but also future exports. Slovakia and Romania have shown strong interest in K2PL procurement.
This agreement builds on the 2022 framework deal for 1,000 K2 tanks, including 820 to be license-produced in Poland by 2034. It also complements earlier acquisitions of K9 howitzers, FA-50 aircraft, and Chunmoo rocket launchers.
Poland has already received over 110 base-model K2s since 2022, distributing them to frontline units and deploying them in NATO’s Slovak Shield 25 exercise—marking the first operational NATO use of K2 tanks outside South Korea.
Meanwhile, Hyundai Rotem has temporarily shifted full production focus to fulfill the Polish order, with monthly output increasing to over 10 tanks, leading to delayed deliveries for the South Korean Army. However, this shift could allow Hyundai Rotem to scale up exports via its Polish partner PGZ, potentially serving regional NATO allies with Poland-based production.
