South Korea is set to finalize a deal to export K2 black panther tanks to Poland by next month to strengthen the defense cooperation between the two countries, as declared by government officials on Sunday.
The second contract for exporting K2 tanks, valued at around 9 trillion won ($6.2 billion), includes 180 units, similar to the first agreement signed in August 2022.
In July 2022, South Korea and Poland entered into an agreement whereby Korea agreed to sell K2 tanks, K9 self-propelled howitzers, FA-50 light attack aircraft, and Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers to Poland.
In August 2022, Korea secured its first contract, valued at $12.4 billion, to deliver 180 K2 tanks, 212 K9 howitzers, and 48 FA-50 jets to Poland. Following this, Korea has been actively seeking to export another batch of K2 tanks to the European nation.
The finalization of the second contract for 180 K2 tanks was delayed due to internal issues in Poland and the martial law declaration in December. Disagreements over pricing and delivery schedules between the Polish state-owned enterprise and the government also caused setbacks. On December 5, during a foreign ministers’ meeting in Warsaw, both nations committed to support the swift execution of the second K2 tank contract.
The K2 Black Panther, developed by Hyundai Rotem, is renowned for its advanced technology and capabilities. Poland’s interest in these tanks supports its military modernization and strategic role within NATO.
Poland has initiated individual agreements for the second phase of the contract in December 2023, with the acquisition of 152 K-9 howitzers from Hanwha Aerospace. If the second K2 tank contract is finalized, it is anticipated that defense cooperation between South Korea and Poland will continue to strengthen.
POLICY & LAW | India-EU Trade Deal Stalls Over Environmental Regulations and Market Access
