Poland confirms delivery of 160 K2 tanks 192 K9 howitzers and 126 Homar-K rocket launchers from South Korea.

Poland has confirmed deliveries from South Korea of 160 K2GF tanks, 192 K9A1 howitzers, and 126 Homar-K rocket launchers, marking a major leap in Warsaw’s rapid defense modernization on NATO’s eastern flank.

According to information released by Poland’s Armament Agency (Agencja Uzbrojenia) and relayed by defense analyst Tomasz Dmitruk on X (formerly Twitter) on September 18, 2025, Poland has officially confirmed the delivery of 160 K2GF main battle tanks, 192 K9A1 self-propelled howitzers, and 126 Homar-K multiple rocket launcher modules from South Korea. These updated figures resolve recent parliamentary uncertainty and underline the speed and scale at which Poland is transforming its ground forces in response to the evolving threat environment on NATO’s eastern flank.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Poland's latest South Korean-supplied systems: the K2GF main battle tank in forward deployment, the K9A1 self-propelled howitzer during live-fire drills, and the Homar-K multiple rocket launcher mounted on a Jelcz 8x8 chassis, reinforcing NATO’s eastern flank with modern firepower and mobility. (Picture source: Editing Army Recognition Group)

The confirmed deliveries stem from the strategic framework agreements signed in 2022 between the Polish Ministry of National Defense and South Korea’s defense industry, primarily involving Hyundai Rotem and Hanwha Aerospace. These multi-phase contracts, initially valued at over 12 billion dollars, were signed in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and intended to rapidly replace Poland’s aging post-Soviet inventory with modern, interoperable systems. The deals include not only equipment deliveries but also technology transfers, joint production agreements, training packages, and future upgrade paths to support long-term sustainment and sovereignty over critical defense capabilities.

The K2GF main battle tanks are a modified variant of South Korea’s K2 Black Panther, one of the most advanced MBTs in the world. Under the 2022 agreement, Poland was to receive an initial batch of 180 tanks, with full-scale local production of the K2PL variant to follow by 2026. The K2 features a 120mm L/55 smoothbore gun, advanced composite armor, and an autoloader system, offering high survivability and precision on modern battlefields. The 160 units now confirmed as delivered are part of the first production phase, manufactured in South Korea and adapted for use in Poland. These tanks will replace the legacy T-72 and PT-91 Twardy tanks, providing Poland with a next-generation armor capability fully compatible with NATO's digital battle networks.

The 192 K9A1 155mm tracked self-propelled howitzers represent the artillery component of the 2022 framework. Poland’s deal with Hanwha Aerospace originally included the acquisition of 212 K9A1s with options for local K9PL production. The K9A1 is a 155mm tracked howitzer capable of firing NATO-standard munitions at ranges exceeding 40 kilometers. It features improved navigation, fire control, and automation over earlier versions, offering fast shoot-and-scoot capabilities ideal for mobile warfare and counter-battery operations. Three of the units were delivered directly to Polish defense manufacturer Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW S.A.) for testing, adaptation, and repainting, before certification by the Military Institute of Armament Technology. The howitzers will form the backbone of Poland’s upgraded artillery regiments, supporting rapid-reaction and maneuver units across multiple operational theaters.

The Homar-K Multiple Rocket Launcher System (MLRS) is the third pillar of South Korea's arms package, derived from the K239 Chunmoo MLRS. Under the 2022 agreement, Poland committed to acquiring 288 modules with final production shifted to the Polish industry, beginning with 218 launchers manufactured under license. The system is capable of firing both 239mm and 600mm guided rockets, with ranges of 80 and 290 kilometers, respectively. The 126 launchers delivered so far include 72 already integrated with Polish Jelcz 8x8 tactical trucks, creating a fully mobile long-range fires capability. The Homar-K complements the U.S.-supplied M142 HIMARS by expanding Poland’s deep-strike options and providing a dual-sourced precision fires architecture critical for joint operations with NATO forces.

Poland’s South Korea arms package is more than a procurement strategy. It represents a fundamental transformation of the Polish Land Forces into one of NATO’s most modern, mobile, and lethal ground forces. By shifting away from Soviet legacy platforms and integrating cutting-edge Korean systems, Poland has not only accelerated its military modernization but positioned itself as a strategic framework nation on the alliance’s eastern flank.

From a strategic lens, the rapid integration of these systems strengthens NATO’s eastern defenses with highly mobile, survivable, and interoperable combat assets. The replacement of Warsaw Pact-era T-72 tanks and Dana howitzers with K2 and K9 platforms significantly enhances battlefield mobility, target acquisition, and survivability in a contested environment such as Eastern Poland or the Baltic theater. Furthermore, the combination of Homar-K and HIMARS offers Poland a scalable long-range fires capability able to strike high-value targets well behind enemy lines, reinforcing NATO’s deterrence-by-denial posture.

By accelerating procurement from South Korea rather than waiting on stretched U.S. or European production lines, Poland has effectively leapfrogged delays seen in other European capitals. As deliveries continue and localization deepens, Poland is emerging not only as a front-line state but as a new military wall against Russian aggression in Europe. With one of the fastest-growing and most modernized land forces on the continent, Poland is transforming into a hardened bulwark on NATO’s eastern flank, setting a new standard for allied readiness and deterrence in the region.

Written by Alain Servaes – Chief Editor, Army Recognition Group
Alain Servaes is a former infantry non-commissioned officer and the founder of Army Recognition. With over 20 years in defense journalism, he provides expert analysis on military equipment, NATO operations, and the global defense industry.