Hyundai Rotem from South Korea is optimistic about finalizing a second contract for 180 K2PL main battle tanks and 81 supporting vehicles for the Polish Army by November. This comes despite reports that the agreement has been delayed due to contracting and financial challenges within the industry.
The impending deal, referred to as Executive Contract 2 (EC2), marks the first time some K2 tanks will be manufactured in Poland. The signing was anticipated at the recent International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO), but ultimately did not materialize.
In 2022, Warsaw initially signed a framework agreement for 1,000 K2 tanks, part of a significant military expenditure surge following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which also included orders of 672 Hanwha K9 self-propelled howitzers and 48 KAI FA-50 light combat aircraft. The cumulative value of these contracts is estimated at $14.5 billion; however, the agreement has been divided into a series of smaller tranches, with only the first K2 tranche secured so far.
After talks with his South Korean counterpart in July, Poland’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz, announced that there was an agreement to transfer “all technical information” regarding the K2 to Polish industry. This would allow local suppliers, led by the state-owned PGZ, to prepare for vehicle production. At that time, he indicated that the signing of EC2 was a target during the MSPO.
Despite this aspiration, Lee Euiseong, Senior Vice President for Defense Solutions at Hyundai Rotem, stated that signing EC2 at MSPO proved “too ambitious” due to the extensive work still required. He expressed hope for a signing by October or November.
The K2 tank is equipped with a 120mm/55 caliber smoothbore gun, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, an automatic loader capable of firing 16 rounds, and various self-protection systems, including an automatic fire suppression system, composite armor, and a nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) protection suite. The upgraded K2PL variant will additionally feature a remote-controlled weapon system, counter-UAS jammers, and an active protection system. The final configuration may take “several years” to develop, according to Lee.
Local manufacturer Military Automotive Works (WZM) in Poznan has suggested producing 12 components “from PGZ companies” for the upgraded tank, as reported by Defence 24. Lee mentioned that Hyundai Rotem is currently discussing with the Polish Armaments Agency which components will be produced in Poland, but he did not disclose specific parts or subsystems under review. He emphasized that Hyundai Rotem will collaborate with PGZ to establish a production line that includes technology transfers for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) capabilities within Poland.
“This [K2PL design] will significantly enhance survivability,” Lee said, noting that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine has underscored the necessity for modern land vehicles to effectively counter drone threats. He stressed the importance of delivery timelines and the need to incrementally improve K2PL performance. “Therefore, the first K2PL will come equipped with advanced systems, with the following batches to receive additional upgrades,” Lee elaborated. He acknowledged uncertainty regarding the configuration of future upgrades, emphasizing that technological advancements will guide development.
Despite the projected roadmap for the tank shared by Lee, Poland’s current government faces backlash from opposition representatives regarding the pace of key arms acquisitions, including the K2.
In a recent translated post on X (formerly Twitter), Mariusz Blaszczak, chair of the Law and Justice (PiS) party and former defense minister, criticized the government, stating, “Another contract is going to waste,” in response to a report suggesting the potential cancellation of an acquisition of 486 US-made High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS). He lamented, “This government is wasting a historic opportunity to build one of NATO’s strongest armies in Poland,” referencing the cancellation of contracts for K2 tanks, as well as K9 and Krab self-propelled howitzers.
At the time of publication, neither the Polish Ministry of National Defence nor Lockheed Martin had responded to requests for comment. The US State Department referred questions about the HIMARS acquisition back to the Polish government.
