Poland Expands Defense Arsenal with Additional $6.1 Billion K2 Tank Order

10 March, 2025 Polish K2 tanks. Photo: Daniel Wojcik Poland plans to double the number of K2 Black Panther main battle tanks purchased from South Korea.

Information about the negotiations between the countries was published on the official website of the Polish Defense Ministry. On March 6, 2025 a meeting was reportedly held between Deputy Defense Minister Pawel Bejda and Deputy Head of the Defense Procurement Agency of the Republic of Korea Hyunki Cho. During the talks, they discussed steps towards signing the second part of the contract for the purchase of a new batch of K2 tanks, as well as the establishment of their production in Poland.

K2 tanks in Poland.

Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of the country

According to South Korean media, in particular The Korea Times, the purchase of 180 more combat vehicles is being discussed. The total cost of this part of the deal is estimated at £6.1 billion, with part of the funds likely to be used to launch production. Poland's intention to produce 500 tanks on its own became known in May 2024.

According to the plans, production of K2PL tanks in Poland is to start in 2028, and the total number of manufactured vehicles will reach 500 units. As part of the agreement signed in August 2022, Poland purchased 180 tanks for £3.4 billion.

K2 tanks and Borsuk infantry fighting vehicles on parade. Photos from social media

As of the end of 2024, the South Korean side had handed over 84 tanks to the Polish military, which was in line with the planned delivery schedule for this year.

It is expected that in 2025 Poland will receive another 96 combat vehicles.

The two contracts will bring Poland's K2 armored fleet to 360 units.