Poland has finalised an agreement to acquire a second batch of 180 K2 tanks from South Korea, moving closer to its goal of possessing nearly 1,000 of these advanced armoured vehicles.
This deal, part of a larger 2022 framework agreement, solidifies Poland’s position as a significant European military power and underscores South Korea’s growing role as a major global arms supplier, particularly to U.S. allies.
The agreement comes as Russia intensifies its attacks on Ukraine, with some bombardments occurring within 100 miles of Poland’s western border. As a NATO member bordering Ukraine, Poland is considered a crucial part of the alliance’s front line against potential Russian aggression beyond Ukraine.
Billions Invested in Defence Amid Regional Tensions
The Polish Defence Ministry announced the $6.7 billion tank deal on X (formerly Twitter) earlier this month.
The price includes 80 support vehicles, ammunition, and comprehensive logistics and training packages for the Polish Army. This acquisition is part of Poland’s increased defence spending since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, as Warsaw simultaneously acquires new weaponry and provides significant military aid to Kyiv.
The K2 main battle tanks are considered among the world’s most powerful. South Korea’s Defence Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA) confirmed that the deal includes tanks manufactured by Hyundai Rotem in South Korea, alongside the establishment of a production line in Poland for a localised K2PL variant.
Sixty of the 180 tanks in this new batch will be built in Poland, with the first 30 South Korean-made units expected to arrive next year.
This new contract builds on a 2022 agreement for 180 K2 tanks, of which most have already been delivered. That initial framework was South Korea’s largest overseas defence deal at the time, encompassing a total of 980 K2 tanks, 648 K9 self-propelled howitzers, and 48 FA-50 fighter jets. These armoured vehicles are partly intended to replace Poland’s Soviet-era tanks that have been donated to Ukraine.
Poland’s Growing Defence Profile and South Korea’s Role
Poland has been on high alert due to recent Russian drone attacks near its border, even prompting the scrambling of Polish fighter jets as a precaution during a barrage on Lutsk, Ukraine, which is about 50 miles from the Polish border.
A NATO report from April highlighted Poland’s dramatic increase in defence spending, from 2.7% of GDP in 2022 to an expected 4.7% in 2025, making it the NATO ally with the highest percentage of GDP spent on defence.
The report also noted Poland’s reliance on South Korean arms to quickly replenish stocks after donations to Ukraine, with a Wilson Centre report even suggesting Poland has “arguably emerged as Europe’s most capable military power.”
However, a May report from the RAND Corp raised concerns about the financing of Poland’s arms buildup and its recruitment challenges.
Meanwhile, South Korea has become the world’s 10th-largest arms exporter over the past five years, with Poland receiving 46% of its military exports, followed by the Philippines (14%) and India (7%).
As ongoing conflicts, particularly in Ukraine and Gaza, have depleted U.S. arms stockpiles, South Korea is increasingly seen as a vital option for U.S. allies seeking weapons.
A 2024 Stimson Centre report suggests that Seoul’s defence industry, especially in shipbuilding, could become critical for supporting the United States in the future.
In addition to the K2 tanks, South Korea has already sent 174 K9 howitzers to Poland, with more on order, and 12 of the 48 FA-50 jets have been delivered.
