Poland to receive full order of 180 K2GF tanks from Hyundai Rotem by 2025.

At the MSPO 2024 event, the Polish Armed Forces presented the K2GF (Gap Filler), a variant of the K2 Black Panther main battle tank (MBT) specifically adapted by Hyundai Rotem for Poland's use. Alongside the K2GF, one of its 116 M1A1 Abrams tanks equipped with the Firepower Enhancement Package (FEP) was also displayed. This presentation is part of Poland's ongoing efforts to enhance its military capabilities in response to increasing tensions with Russia and the conflict in Ukraine.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Hyundai Rotem, the manufacturer, delivered 46 K2GF tanks by April 2024, with the remaining units scheduled for delivery in stages, aiming to complete the full order of 180 tanks by the end of 2025. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The K2GF is a South Korean main battle tank of the 3+ generation, acquired by Poland to address an operational requirement following the transfer of T-72 tanks to Ukraine. The tank's primary armament consists of a 120 mm smoothbore cannon with an automatic loading system, designed to be compatible with various types of NATO-standard ammunition. It is also equipped with a 7.62 mm machine gun and a 12.7 mm large-caliber machine gun as auxiliary armaments. The fire control system is designed to maintain accuracy at long ranges.

During Poland's Dragon-24 military exercises, the K2GF demonstrated its capabilities, including its hydropneumatic suspension system, which allows it to operate on different terrains, including those found in Poland. This exercise marked the first time the K2GF was used alongside other NATO tanks. The tank is powered by a 1,500 horsepower diesel engine coupled with an automatic transmission, providing mobility and speed. Its protective measures include layered composite armor that can be enhanced with soft-kill systems such as the Vehicle Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (VIRSS), hard-kill systems like the Korean Active Protection System (KAPS), and explosive reactive armor (ERA) designed to counter modern threats. Its design incorporates advanced electronic systems and follows NATO Generic Vehicle Architecture guidelines, which allow for potential future upgrades and modifications.

The K2GF was developed following a framework contract signed between South Korea and Poland's Armament Agency in July 2022. Hyundai Rotem, the manufacturer, delivered 46 of these tanks by April 2024, with the remaining units scheduled for delivery in stages, aiming to complete the full order of 180 tanks by the end of 2025. According to the agreement, Poland may also acquire up to 820 K2PL tanks, a variant that will include Polish-made components and share many features with the K2EX, known as the "Export" model of the K2 Black Panther. Modifications to the K2PL variant are also underway to accommodate NATO-standard ammunition from Germany and the United States, as well as South Korean ammunition, to increase its operational flexibility in multinational operations.

The K2GF's protective measures include layered composite armor that can be enhanced with soft-kill systems such as the Vehicle Integrated Defensive Aids Suite (VIRSS), the Korean Active Protection System (KAPS), and explosive reactive armor. (Picture source: 20 Bartoszycka Brygada Zmechanizowana)

Hyundai Rotem has made efforts to ensure the K2GF's compatibility with other tanks in the Polish military, such as the Leopard 2PL and the M1A1 FEP Abrams. The K2GF integrates a Battle Management System (BMS) developed in Poland to meet the specific requirements of the Polish Army. It is also equipped with communication systems approved by the Polish military to avoid interoperability issues.

In addition to the initial order of 180 tanks, Poland has plans to produce up to 500 units of the K2PL variant domestically. This variant is expected to include further modifications, such as enhanced armor and active protection systems, while maintaining compatibility with NATO forces and meeting Poland's operational needs.

Over the past five years, Poland has pursued a strategy of military expansion and modernization. The number of active military personnel has increased from approximately 110,000 to around 150,000, including a territorial defense force of 30,000 that was established in 2017. The defense budget has risen to over 3% of the country's GDP, allowing for investments in new equipment and technology, including American M1A2 Abrams tanks, F-35 fighter jets, Korean K2 Black Panther tanks, and K9 howitzers. These efforts are influenced by security concerns, particularly in relation to Russia and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Plans are also underway for the modernization of the Polish Navy and Air Force, with acquisitions of new submarines, frigates, and air defense systems.

The K2GF's primary armament consists of a 120 mm smoothbore cannon with an automatic loading system, designed to be compatible with various types of NATO-standard ammunition. (Picture source: 20 Bartoszycka Brygada Zmechanizowana)