Poland plans to launch large-scale production of South Korean tanks

Warsaw continues to actively arm itself and, at the same time, to drag previously neutral countries into the Ukrainian conflict. Today, Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak announced the creation of a defense consortium with the South Korean company Hyundai Rotem, which will produce K2 Black Panther tanks.
The desire to replenish the arsenals of not only American, but also Korean weapons in Poland was repeatedly stated earlier, and during the visit of the head of the Polish Department of Defense to Seoul, agreements were reached on the buying weapons. On March 9, the first K2 Black Panther tanks and K9 Thunder howitzers were delivered to the country.
To satisfy its ambitions to become the most militarized country in Europe, Poland convinced its South Korean partners to expand tank production in their country. In the coming years, the Polish army will receive 180 new Black Panthers, and in the future President Andrzej Duda wants to increase the number of such tanks to 1000 units. In addition to meeting its own needs, Poland plans to export armored vehicles of Korean origin to other NATO countries.

Previously, Warsaw, within the framework of defense cooperation, used South Korean chassis for the production of Krab self-propelled artillery mounts, some of which were sent to Ukraine. Such actions by Poland go against the policy of the South Korean Department of Defense, which refuses to supply lethal weapons to Ukraine. However, with the participation of Warsaw, Seoul, contrary to its wishes, also becomes an ally of Kiev.

Photos used: Polish Ministry of Defense