Breaking News: South Korea close to signing new deal for 180 more K2 tanks to Poland in record sale.

According to information published by Yonhap News Agency on June 10, 2025, South Korea is preparing to sign a historic arms export contract with Poland valued at approximately $6 billion for the delivery of 180 additional K2 Black Panther main battle tanks. Expected to be finalized later this month, the agreement would mark the largest single defense export in South Korean history and represents a significant acceleration in Poland’s armed forces modernization strategy amid the evolving security situation in Europe.
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Polish Army K2 Black Panther main battle tank on display at MSPO 2024 defense exhibition in Kielce Poland. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

The new contract follows a previously signed agreement in 2024 under which Poland ordered 180 K2 tanks, in line with its plan to acquire up to 1,000 units over time. That 2024 contract constituted the second phase of Poland’s rapid defense procurement initiative launched in 2022, which also included K9 self-propelled howitzers and FA-50 fighter jets. The upcoming 2025 deal expands on this cooperation, combining industrial production with enhanced technological transfer, allowing both Hyundai Rotem in South Korea and the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ) to jointly produce the new batch. Specifically, 117 tanks will be built in South Korea, while 63 will be manufactured in Poland, reflecting a deepening of local defense industrial capabilities.

The new delivery will consist of two configurations of the K2 main battle tank: the K2GF (Gap Filler) and the K2PL. The K2GF is a baseline version of the K2 Black Panther adapted for immediate use by the Polish Army, equipped with NATO-standard communication systems and minor modifications for integration into Polish command structures. These tanks were intended to bridge the capability gap while the more advanced, customized version, the K2PL, was under development.

The K2PL is a significantly upgraded variant designed specifically for Poland’s operational environment and NATO interoperability requirements. It incorporates several enhancements over the K2GF, including reinforced modular armor providing improved protection against kinetic and chemical threats, a more powerful 1,500 hp engine coupled with an advanced transmission for better mobility, and an Active Protection System capable of intercepting incoming anti-tank projectiles. The K2PL is also expected to feature an upgraded fire control system, battlefield management integration, and a remotely operated weapon station mounted on the turret roof. Additionally, the tank's chassis and suspension have been modified to accommodate heavier loads and extended armor packages suited for European terrain.

Both variants maintain the core capabilities of the original K2 design, including the L/55 120mm smoothbore main gun with autoloader, a fully stabilized panoramic sight for the commander, and advanced thermal imaging systems for all-weather, day-night combat performance. The tank’s hydropneumatic suspension system allows it to kneel, lean, and adapt its posture for superior mobility and firing accuracy across challenging terrain.

The original K2 Black Panther was developed by South Korea’s Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and manufactured by Hyundai Rotem as a next-generation main battle tank to replace the aging K1 series and meet the Republic of Korea Army’s demanding operational requirements. Development began in the 1990s, with full-rate production starting in the early 2010s. The K2 was designed from the ground up to provide superior mobility, survivability, and firepower in a high-threat environment, incorporating innovations such as an advanced fire control system capable of firing on the move, a state-of-the-art composite and modular armor system, and integrated battlefield networking capabilities.

Widely regarded as one of the most advanced tanks in the world, the K2 is considered a peer competitor to Germany’s Leopard 2A7 and the latest Leopard 2A8 variant, offering similar or superior performance in terms of mobility, targeting systems, and armor protection. Its lightweight design combined with high agility and precision firepower makes it an increasingly attractive option for NATO-aligned countries seeking to modernize their armored forces with cutting-edge capabilities.

Poland’s decision to pursue large-scale armored procurement is a key pillar of its national defense modernization plan, launched in direct response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Polish government has committed to building the most powerful land forces in Europe, with unprecedented levels of investment in new equipment, infrastructure, and personnel. Defense spending has surpassed 4 percent of GDP, enabling Warsaw to rapidly field cutting-edge systems and increase the size and readiness of its forces. The acquisition of the K2PL main battle tank fits within this broader strategy to deter Russian aggression, reinforce NATO’s eastern flank, and establish Poland as a leading military power within the alliance.