Slovakia expresses interest in K2PL tanks manufactured in Poland under South Korean license.

As reported by Newsnow on February 24, 2025, Slovakia has expressed interest in acquiring modernized K2PL tanks, which will be produced under a South Korean license in Poland, according to statements made by the Polish Minister of Defence. During a recent meeting between the defence ministers of the two countries, the potential for joint production of the Rosomak armored transporter, equipped with the Slovak Turra 30 turret, was also discussed, likely focusing on the export-oriented Rosomak-L APC, as well as the eventual acquisition of Piorun air defense systems.
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Poland is procuring 180 K2 tanks built in South Korea and plans to produce 820 K2PL tanks domestically under a South Korean license, targeting a total of 1,000 tanks for the Polish Land Forces. (Picture source: 16 Dywizja Zmechanizowana)

During a meeting in Warsaw on February 24, 2025, Polish Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz and Slovak Defence Minister Robert Kalinak formalized the agreement aimed at strengthening defense ties. Both ministers referenced the longstanding historical and political relationship between their countries, emphasizing a mutual approach to regional security and the development of joint arms production capacities. Kalinak noted Poland's approach to defense spending, highlighting Slovakia's own investment in military infrastructure, including a new military hospital in Presov.

The agreement identifies four main areas of interest. Slovakia is considering purchasing Polish Piorun portable air defense systems. The second focus is joint ammunition production, specifically 155-millimeter caliber shells, with Slovakia contributing its industrial capacity. Thirdly, the nations are discussing the co-production of an armored personnel carrier (APC) based on the Polish Rosomak platform, integrating the Slovak Turra 30 turret for potential export as the Rosomak-L APC. Lastly, Slovakia is exploring the acquisition of modernized K2PL tanks, which Poland will produce under a Korean license.

The K2PL is a proposed licensed version of the South Korean K2 tank, intended to replace Poland's aging PT-91 fleet. The K2PL retains key features of the K2 Black Panther, including the CN08 120 mm gun barrel, autoloader, pulse-doppler radar, and In-arm Suspension Unit (ISU) with six road wheels. Additional features include a hard-kill Active Protection System (APS), anti-UAV electronic warfare, composite add-on armor, a 12.7mm Remote-Controlled Weapon System (RCWS), and enhanced explosive reactive armor. The tank also includes detachable layered armor panels for the turret and hull, and mesh and bar armor to improve protection against HEAT projectiles.

The initial design considered a separate ammunition compartment, but this concept was abandoned due to the need for extensive design modifications. Instead, the K2PL will incorporate improved armor and may integrate American-made programmable ammunition compatible with Poland's M1A2 SEPv3 tanks. Production of 820 K2PL units is scheduled to begin in 2026, with manufacturing shared between Poland and South Korea. The Polish Land Forces are expected to receive up to 1,000 tanks, including 180 K2 units built exclusively in South Korea and 820 K2PL units partially produced in Poland.

The K2 family of tanks includes several variants tailored to specific operational requirements. The standard K2 model, in service with the Republic of Korea Army since July 1, 2014, is equipped with explosive reactive armor on the turret and chassis sides. The K2 PIP (Product Improvement Program) offers enhanced armor with ultra-high hardness steel, an active in-arm suspension unit, and a high-resolution terrain-scanning system to improve handling over rough terrain. Potential upgrades include a hard-kill active protection system and non-explosive reactive armor.

The K2EX, presented at MSPO 2024, is an export variant featuring the KAPS-2 active protection system, 360° situational awareness, and a remote-controlled weapon system with an anti-drone gun. The K2PL, developed for the Polish Armed Forces, integrates a hard-kill APS, anti-UAV electronic warfare, composite add-on armor, and additional turret and hull protection. The K2ME variant, designed for the Middle East, includes upgraded armor and cooling systems suitable for desert conditions. The K2NO, proposed for Norway, incorporates the Trophy APS and adaptations for cold environments. The K2GF (Gap Filler) version, as well as the K2ARV (Armored Recovery Vehicle) and K2CEV (Combat Engineer Vehicle) based on the K2 chassis, are also part of the K2 family.