Poland signs execution contracts for K2 MBTs and K9 SPHs from South Korea

On 26 August, Poland signed execution contracts with Hyundai Rotem for 180 K2 tanks and with Hanwha Defense for 212 K9 SPHs (pictured). (Hanwha Defense)

Poland signed execution contracts with South Korean industry for K2 main battle tanks (MBTs) and K9 self-propelled howitzers (SPHs) on 26 August. Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Mariusz Błaszczak approved the contracts for 180 K2 tanks and 212 K9 SPHs on 26 August in Morąg, northern Poland, his ministry announced on its website the same day. The signing followed the 27 July framework agreement between Poland and South Korea for 1,000 K2 MBTs, 672 K9 SPHs, and 48 FA-50 training and light fighter aircraft.

The Polish Armaments Agency (AA), the contracting authority, said on its website on 26 August that a USD3.4 billion execution contract was signed with Hyundai Rotem for the delivery of 180 K2 MBTs in 2022–25 and a USD2.4 billion contract with Hanwha Defense for the delivery of 212 K9A1 SPHs in 2022–26. Both contracts include training and logistics packages as well as ammunition. Hyundai Rotem and Hanwha Defense will provide service support in Poland starting with the first 10 K2s and 24 K9s to be delivered later in 2022, according to the AA.

The K2 contract includes tens of thousands of 120 mm tank shells of various types. The logistics package includes spare parts, special tools, and diagnostic equipment. The training package includes an embedded training system and training of Polish tank crews and technicians in South Korea and Poland, including training on K2 tanks in co-operation with the South Korean army. Błaszczak said that Polish army soldiers would go to South Korea in October to train on K2 tanks.