Poland finalizes deal with South Korea for 180 K2 Tanks
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Back in March, Poland and South Korea signed an updated plan to implement their strategic partnership through 2028.
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A Polish soldier navigates the Leopard 2 tank during a training at a military base and test range in Swietoszow, Poland, on February 13, 2023 (AP)
On Friday, Poland signed an executive agreement for the purchase of 180 South Korean K2 tanks, including the first units of the upgraded K2PL variant. The deal was finalized at the Bumar-Łabędy plant in Gliwice, with the signing ceremony broadcast by the Polish Ministry of Defense.
According to officials at the event, 116 of the tanks, configured in the earlier K2GF version, will be delivered between 2026 and 2027, while the remaining 64 tanks in the K2PL configuration are scheduled for delivery from 2028 to 2030.
The K2PL tanks will be assembled domestically, marking a major milestone for the Bumar-Łabędy plant, which will restart tank production for the first time in 16 years as a result of the agreement.
Poland, S. Korea sign 3-year strategic partnership agreement
Back in March, Poland and South Korea signed an updated plan to implement their strategic partnership through 2028, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski announced following talks with his South Korean counterpart, Cho Tae-yul.
"The minister and I signed an updated plan after today's talks that provides for the implementation of our strategic partnership until 2028," Sikorski said at a briefing.
The strategic partnership, established in 2013, has strengthened ties between the two nations. The updated agreement covers cooperation in politics, the economy, defense, science, and culture.
Sikorski emphasized Poland's role as a key hub for weapons production in Europe, particularly in supporting Ukraine's reconstruction efforts. "Poland is the largest importer of military equipment from South Korea in the world. We would like to further develop this cooperation with the prospect of transferring production and technology to Poland," he said.
Poland and South Korea have deepened their defense cooperation in recent years. In July 2022, the two countries signed a framework agreement for the purchase of tanks, self-propelled artillery units, light attack aircraft, and multiple rocket launchers. This was followed by a $12.4 billion contract for the supply of 180 tanks, 48 self-propelled guns, aircraft, and MLRS to Poland. A second contract, estimated at $22 billion, further expanded military ties between the two nations.
