Timeline Set for the First K2 and K9A1 Deliveries for Poland

We have found out, off the record, that Poland would take delivery of the first Korean K2 MBTs and K9A1 howitzers on 2nd December. Earlier on it had been assumed that the deliveries would happen a bit later, on 10th December.

Poland signed framework agreements back in July, with Hyundai Rotem, on the delivery of 1,000 K2 and K2PL MBTs in total, and with Hanwha Defense, regarding 672 K9A1/K9PL howitzers. Performance contracts on the delivery of 180 K2 MBTs and 212 K9A1 howitzers were signed in August. The former one is to be finalized by 2025 and has a value of USD 3.43 bn. The latter one, with a value of USD 2.4 bn., would be finalized by 2026. Both agreements include logistical support, and training packages, along with large quantities of munitions.

Both K2 MBTs, as well as the K9A1 howitzers, would be manufactured in the Republic of Korea. The K9A1 howitzers would be fitted with a Polish Topaz C2 suite, supplied by the WB Group. The K2 MBTs would be equipped, as the Armament Agency of the Polish MoD assured, with "communications systems ensuring data exchange across all command and interoperational relations of the armoured and mechanized units in the Polish Armed Forces".

Head of the Polish Ministry of Defence, Mariusz Błaszczak had announced earlier on that the first K2 MBTs and K9A1 howitzers would be commissioned in elements subordinated to the 16th "Pomorska" Mechanized Division – the main battle tank battalion of the 20th Mechanized Brigade, and the 11th "Mazurski" Artillery Regiment. The equipment destined for Poland was showcased in South Korea in late October.

At the second stage of the effort tied to the framework agreements, K2PL MBTs, and K9PL howitzers would be delivered, tailored to the Polish requirements, and manufactured within the framework of a collaborative undertaking. The K9PL howitzer design is to be based on the latest K9 system, featuring an autoloader.