What next with the production of K2 tanks in Poland? The situation became uncertain
Dispute over K2 tanks: problems with financing and production of machines in Poland still unresolved. Will the supply contract be finalized and the tanks will be built on the Vistula River?
Let us recall that the contract for the purchase of K2 Black Panther tanks was signed while Mariusz Błaszczak was in office. Poland plans to purchase about a thousand of these medium tanks produced by Hyundai Rotem. The plan assumes that two versions of the machines will be delivered to the Vistula River. The first 180 units are the standard Korean version, deliveries of which are ongoing and should be completed next year. Then, 820 deliveries of “Polonized” tanks are planned – in the K2PL version. About 500 of them were to be built in Poland. The total contract value is almost USD 3.4 billion.
However, a problem arose when it turned out that the issue of producing K2 tanks in Poland was more complex. There is uncertainty about funding and the involvement of relevant entities. According to reports, South Korea expects to transfer the technology after signing an implementing agreement, which is still missing.
Confusion surrounding the Polish production of K2 tanks
According to the plan, the Polish arms industry was to benefit from the construction of K2 tanks. These tanks were to be additionally equipped with special systems, which would generate income for domestic companies. The problem is that the previous government did not secure appropriate funds for this purpose, and the current one is struggling with budget problems. Moreover, the arms industry itself is struggling because the various tasks of tank production are distributed among many entities.
For example, Wojskowe Zakłady Mechaniczne from Poznań was to produce chassis, while tank towers were to be built in Bumar Gliwice. Additionally, Obrum was responsible for special vehicles, and PCO for optoelectronic systems. The division of responsibility among different plants caused chaos and disputes over who would receive a larger share of production profits.
Polish arms companies have still not received specific information on what financial resources have been secured for the project, and the Ministry of Finance is silent on this matter.
Delegation of the Ministry of National Defense in South Korea
A delegation from the Polish Ministry of National Defense, headed by Paweł Bejda, went to South Korea to continue talks on key arms programs, including the production of K2 tanks and large-caliber ammunition in Poland. The deputy head of the Ministry of National Defense assured that South Korea is fully committed to the implementation of previous arrangements and maintains its commitments.
