South Korea delivers 18 K2 main battle tanks to Poland

On March 21st, Hyundai Rotem reported that from March 12th to 20th, a total of 18 K2 tanks destined for Poland were sequentially delivered to the port of Gdynia. This delivery is part of a larger order of 180 tanks agreed upon with the Polish Armed Forces Agency in August 2022. To date, Poland has received a total of 46 K2 tanks, including the initial delivery in 2022 and an additional 18 in 2023.

Hyundai Rotem has previously been praised for its rapid production and delivery of the Polish K2 tanks, managing to expedite shipments and exceed local expectations, armyrecognition.com website reports.

To ensure the K2 tanks deliver exceptional performance in Poland, Hyundai Rotem is dedicated to rigorous quality control. This includes not only the standard post-production performance tests but also additional weekly diagnostics on all tanks destined for Poland, incorporating feedback from previous deliveries to enhance the tanks' operation.

The K2 tank has already proven its effectiveness in Poland, celebrating its first year of operation last December. It has demonstrated superior firepower and precision in various local firing exercises and participated in Poland's largest ground military exercise, "Dragon-24," alongside other top-tier tanks.

The K2 is a main battle tank designed and manufactured in South Korea, currently serving in the armed forces of South Korea and Poland. This main battle tank stands out for its powerful armament and protection. It is equipped with a 120mm main gun, capable of firing a variety of ammunition to engage long-distance targets. In addition to its main armament, the K2 incorporates a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun and a 12.7mm heavy machine gun, offering defensive capability against ground troops and low-flying aerial targets.

In terms of protection, the K2 benefits from advanced composite armor, bolstered by Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) blocks that enhance its ability to withstand projectile impacts and explosions. Weighing 55 tons, the tank combines mobility and protection, capable of reaching a maximum speed of 70 km/h, which allows for rapid movement across the battlefield.

The K2's technical features include a range of accessories that underscore its role as one of the most technologically advanced combat tanks. It is equipped with an advanced fire-control system, enabling precise and quick target acquisition, as well as an active protection system designed to detect and neutralize incoming threats before they reach the tank. Moreover, the K2 offers NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protection, night and thermal vision systems for operations in all lighting conditions, and an automatic fire suppression system. It is also equipped with a snorkel, enabling limited amphibious operations.

With a range of 450 km, the K2 can conduct extended operations without needing immediate refueling. It accommodates a crew of three, with dimensions of 10.7 meters in length, 3.6 meters in width, and 2.4 meters in height.

A spokesperson from Hyundai Rotem stated, "We are fully committed to ensuring the success of the Polish K2 tank project, covering all aspects from production to maintenance, and fulfilling our obligations to the Polish defense forces."