Poland receives tanks, self-propelled howitzers from South Korea

The first batch of the armament purchased from South Korea, K2 Black Panther tanks and K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers, has been delivered to Poland.

The equipment was unloaded in the port of Gdynia on December 5 evening, according to the Polish news service PAP.

On December 6, a ceremonial arms reception took place with the attendance of President Andrzej Duda and Defence Minister Mariusz Blaszczak.

"We are consistently strengthening the Polish Army. We know very well that in these times of war when Russia is trying to restore its empire, it is a well-equipped Polish army that is the best deterrent against the aggressor," Blaszczak said in Gdynia.

"The K2 tanks and K9 howitzers will reach north-eastern Poland in just a few days. Next year, other pieces of this equipment and the K239 CHUNMOO multiple rocket launchers will arrive in Poland," he added.

The minister noted the speed of arms delivery, as negotiations with the South Korean side began in May, contracts were signed in July, and the equipment had already arrived in Poland in December.

"This is the first batch, there will be further deliveries next year," Blaszczak said.

The first batch includes 10 tanks and 24 self-propelled howitzers.

"We want peace, so we are preparing for war," the minister said.

As reported, Poland concluded an agreement with South Korea on the purchase of 180 units of K2 Black Panther tanks produced by Hyundai Rotem for about $3.4 billion, as well as 212 units of K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers produced by Hanhwa Defense for about $2.4 billion.

The contract also includes the provision of technical and training packages and ammunition for the acquired equipment.