South Korean K2 tanks in service with Poland will be equipped with counter-drone systems, most likely in the form of electronic warfare (EW). However, this will only happen with the localized K2PL version, which will begin deliveries in 2028.
This was revealed by Hyundai Rotem Europe President Seo Jeong-mo, who added that the Polish variant will also feature additional systems, remotely operated weapons, and 360-degree situational awareness. In terms of protection, the installation of an active protection system (APS) is planned, BTVT.info reports.
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It is noted that even the K2 tanks currently in service with South Korea do not yet have counter-UAV systems. While this may seem surprising, possibly, such upgrades have simply not yet been implemented.
EW systems have practically become a must-have on modern battlefield vehicles. New Ukrainian armor, such as the Novator-2 and Inguar-03 personnel carriers, even have them included in the factory configuration.
Of course, drones operating via fiber-optic guidance or with automatic re-targeting systems are resistant to such countermeasures, but they still make up a small fraction of the total number of drones.
For Poland, the absence of EW on its vehicles would mean greater vulnerability to modern threats all the way through 2028. Although there is a chance that an additional upgrade program for the tanks could be launched in the meantime.
The K2PL will also receive active protection systems (APS) that, in addition to defending against various munitions and guided missiles, are reportedly capable of countering UAVs. However, there is not enough information on their effectiveness.
For reference, Poland signed a contract to purchase 180 K2 main battle tanks, 64 of which will be in the localized version. Still, the country may need to reconsider the financial aspect of such projects, as its Ministry of National Defense could soon face bankruptcy.
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