Poland is in negotiations with South Korea over a new contract for the purchase of a second batch of 180 South Korean K2 tanks, manufactured by Hyundai Rotem. Previously, in August 2022, Poland had already signed a contract for the purchase of 180 K2 tanks, with a total value of $3.4 billion.
Trying to divide that amount by the number of tanks contracted, it comes out to approximately $18.9 million per K2 tank. In fact, that’s relatively inexpensive—especially when compared to the price of the Leopard 2A8, which costs around $32 million per unit.
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However, the new contract for 180 K2 tanks is valued at $6.1 billion. That’s nearly $34 million per tank, raising the question of why the price has nearly doubled.
In reality, the contract includes more than just tanks—it also covers the establishment of local production. Specifically, 117 tanks are to be built in South Korea by Hyundai Rotem, while another 63 will be manufactured in Poland in partnership with PGZ, a collaboration that has been in preparation since 2022.
The tanks under the new contract will come in two variants: the K2GF (Gap Filler), equipped with NATO-standard communication systems and dynamic protection; and the K2PL, a localized version with enhanced armor and seven road wheels instead of the six found in the standard version. This was reported by Defence Industry Europe.
As Defense Express notes, both contracts are likely part of a broader framework agreement Poland signed in July 2022. Under this agreement, Poland may purchase up to 980 K2 Black Panther tanks, 600 K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers, and 50 FA-50 fighter jets.
The K2 Black Panther is one of the most advanced tanks in the world, developed in the 1990s and 2000s. It offers high levels of protection using a combination of dynamic and passive armor (NERA).
It is armed with a 120 mm gun with a 55-caliber barrel length and features an autoloader, allowing for a reduced crew of three. Despite its weight of 55 tons, the K2 is powered by a 1,500 hp diesel engine, providing excellent mobility.
Due to the widespread use of drones, guided missiles, and RPGs, Poland is currently seeking active protection systems—and has several options to choose from. Hyundai Rotem, the South Korean manufacturer, offers the latest KAPS-2 active protection system, which is expected to be a more affordable alternative to the Trophy system and has already been proposed for installation on the K2PL variant.
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