South Korea seals $6 billion tank export deal with Poland
- The South Korean government has confirmed a $6 billion agreement to supply K2 tanks to Poland, including at least 180 units.
- This new deal includes a local manufacturing component, where 63 tanks will be produced in Poland alongside PGZ.
- The agreement underscores the growing defense partnership between South Korea and Poland amidst regional security concerns.
In 2022, Poland entered into a significant arms deal with South Korea, valued at $22 billion, which included the acquisition of 180 K2 tanks, K9 howitzers, FA-50 fighters, and K239 Chunmoo rocket artillery systems. Following this landmark agreement, South Korea has positioned itself as a leading defense exporter, specifically to Poland, which has shown satisfaction with previous acquisitions. In 2025, South Korea concluded negotiations for a new deal involving the supply of 180 K2 tanks, reportedly valued at $6 billion, where 63 of these tanks are to be manufactured locally in partnership with Polish defense company PGZ. This cooperative venture aligns with the European Union's ReArm Europe Plan, which aims to enhance military production within Europe. South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) emphasized its commitment to technology transfer and military cooperation in maintaining Poland’s trust. However, the deal experienced delays due to political upheaval in South Korea, specifically regarding former President Yook Suk-yeol's controversial attempted martial law declaration and subsequent impeachment, which took place during critical negotiation phases.