A new executive contract for the supply of 180 K2 main battle tanks to the Polish Armed Forces is expected to be signed by April 2025, as reported by South Korean media citing government sources. This agreement, valued at 9 trillion won (approximately $6.2 billion), will deliver additional modified K2 variants, supplementing the already established contracts from 2022, which included the procurement of K2 tanks, K9 self-propelled howitzers, FA-50 light combat aircraft, and Chunmoo multiple launch rocket systems. The initial contract for 180 K2 tanks was signed in August 2022, but subsequent negotiations faced delays due to disagreements between the Polish government and Hyundai Rotem, alongside political turmoil in South Korea following the declaration of martial law by President Yoon Seok-yeol. Recent diplomatic discussions in Warsaw resulted in reaffirmed commitments to expedite the conclusion of the second executive contract. As part of a comprehensive agreement, Poland aims to acquire a total of 1,000 K2 tanks, including the K2PL variant tailored to Polish specifications. The strategic significance of this acquisition lies in its role in modernizing Poland’s armored capabilities, reinforcing NATO’s eastern flank, and advancing collaborative defense production with South Korea, particularly through the joint manufacturing of K2PL tanks planned within Poland by 2034.
