Poland deploys first South Korean tanks to border with Russia
Poland deploys K2 tanks to the Russian border (mil in ua)
Poland has deployed South Korean K2 tanks to its border with Russia, with the first seven units already in place, citing Wnp.
According to Magdalena Kościńska, spokesperson for Poland’s 16th Pomeranian Mechanized Division, the initial tanks from the South Korean company Hyundai Rotem have been delivered to the 9th Braniewo Armored Cavalry Brigade.
"These tanks will subsequently be equipped with systems used by the Polish army, including communication devices," the spokesperson said.
She added that the brigade has received seven tanks in this initial phase, with the rest expected by the end of the year. Currently, the unit has eight trained crews prepared for operation.
The military unit receiving these K2 tanks is located in Braniewo, just a few kilometers from Russia's Kaliningrad region.
The K2 Black Panther tanks are among the most advanced tanks in the world. They are highly mobile and can maneuver quickly in challenging terrain such as swamps or sandy soils. The tanks are equipped with precision targeting and firing systems and feature a 1,500-horsepower diesel engine with automatic transmission.
The K2 tank is relatively light, weighing in at 55 tons, and has hydropneumatic suspension.
Seoul-Warsaw cooperation
In July 2022, Poland and South Korea signed an agreement to produce 1,000 K2 tanks, with plans for 500 of them to be manufactured in Poland.
A month later, the two sides signed a $3.4 billion contract for the purchase of the first 180 tanks.
According to media reports, these tanks have already been delivered, though Polish-made parts in them are reportedly limited. Polish media also report that the plans for local production of K2 tanks are facing setbacks.
