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Accelerated Deliveries for Poland with New Korean K2 Tanks and K9 Howitzers on Way.
A new shipment of K2 Black Panther tanks and K9A1 self-propelled howitzers intended for the Polish Armed Forces was recently observed in South Korea's Masan port, shown in a video posted on X by @KDefenseInsight dated October 25, 2024, highlighting the accelerated delivery of military equipment to Poland. The footage shows seven K2 Black Panther tanks and sixteen K9A1 howitzers ready for shipment. By the end of 2024, a total of 48 K9GFs and 78 K9PLs are expected to be delivered, bringing Poland’s inventory to 84 K2GF tanks and 132 K9A1 howitzers by year-end.
Operated by a three-person crew, this 55-ton tank is equipped with a 120 mm CN08 smoothbore gun capable of firing 120 x 570 mm ammunition (Picture source: Senior Corporal Piotr Szafarski- 16th Mechanized Division)
Additionally, 152 K9PL units from a second contract are expected by 2027. These 152 K9PLs will feature 13 enhancements, including a chemical and biological protection system, heating and cooling systems, an automatic fire suppression system, and smoke grenade launchers.
The K2 Black Panther tank, developed by Hyundai Rotem for the South Korean armed forces, is recognized for its advanced technology and firepower. Operated by a three-person crew (driver, gunner, commander), this 55-ton tank is equipped with a 120 mm CN08 smoothbore gun capable of firing 120 x 570 mm ammunition. This 55-caliber gun (6.6 meters in length) is fed by an automatic loader in the rear turret compartment holding 16 rounds, with an additional 24 rounds stored in the hull, to the right of the driver’s position. The main gun is paired with a 7.62 mm M60E2 general-purpose machine gun and a 12.7 mm K6 heavy machine gun (licensed M2 Browning) mounted on the turret roof.
Depending on production series, different engines power the K2. The initial series was equipped with the German MTU MT 883 Ka-501 1,500-horsepower diesel engine, produced under license by the Korean company STX Engine. Starting with the second series, the South Korean HD Hyundai Infracore DV27K engine, which offers comparable performance, was introduced. In both cases, the Renk HSWL 295 TM gearbox is responsible for transmission, while efforts are underway to integrate the SNT Dynamics EST15K gearbox, also Korean-made. These engines allow the K2 to reach a maximum speed of 70 km/h. Currently, only South Korea and Poland operate this tank.
The K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer, designed by Hanwha Aerospace, complements this arsenal. Designed for the South Korean armed forces, this vehicle operates with a five-person crew: commander, gunner, loader, assistant loader, and driver. The primary armament is a 155 mm rifled gun in a rotating turret, with a range of 40 km using standard rounds with a base bleed unit, extending beyond 50 km with specialized ammunition. The system holds 48 rounds and propellant charges. The K9 Thunder is powered by a licensed MTU MT 881 Ka-500 diesel engine, delivering 1,000 horsepower. At a weight of 47 tons, the howitzer can reach a speed of 67 km/h and has a range of 480 km.
These 152 K9PLs will feature 13 enhancements, including a chemical and biological protection system, heating and cooling systems, an automatic fire suppression system, and smoke grenade launchers. (Picture source: Senior Corporal Piotr Szafarski- 16th Mechanized Division )
These purchases fall within executive agreements signed with South Korea in recent years, through which the Polish army plans to acquire 218 K9A1s, to be complemented by 146 units of the K9PL version, and 180 K2GF tanks. Negotiations are also underway for an additional order of 180 K2 tanks, this time in a “PL” version tailored to Polish specifications, though the full scope of these modifications is still undefined.
Facing a complex geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe, Poland has undertaken an ambitious modernization of its armed forces. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Poland’s military spending reached 3.8% of GDP in 2023, the highest level among NATO countries. This significant increase reflects Warsaw’s intent to bolster its defense capabilities in response to perceived threats, particularly from Russia.
The cooperation with South Korea aligns with Poland's modernization strategy. Acquiring K2 Black Panther tanks and K9A1 self-propelled howitzers, manufactured by Hyundai Rotem and Hanwha Aerospace respectively, underscores this collaboration. These high-tech assets enhance the firepower and mobility of Poland’s ground forces, addressing the demands of a shifting security environment.
Beyond South Korea, Poland has diversified its military equipment suppliers. Agreements with the United States have been established for the procurement of Patriot air defense systems and F-35 fighter jets, bolstering Poland’s air defense and aerial superiority capabilities. Additionally, partnerships with Germany and the United Kingdom are in place for the acquisition of advanced armored vehicles and artillery systems.
These initiatives unfold amid heightened tensions in Eastern Europe, exacerbated by Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Poland’s geographic proximity to these conflict zones and its strategic role within NATO drive its focus on strengthening military capabilities to deter potential aggression and secure its borders.