New Korean K2 tanks and K9 howitzers are already on their way to Poland

A new batch of K2 Black Panther tanks and K9A1 self-propelled howitzers destined for the Polish Armed Forces were recently spotted at the port of Masan in South Korea.

Video published in social. of the X network of user @KDefenseInsight, emphasizes the accelerated delivery of military equipment to Poland. The footage shows seven K2 Black Panther tanks and sixteen K9A1 howitzers ready to go. It is expected that 48 K9GF and 78 K9PL will be delivered by the end of 2024, so at the end of the year, Poland will have 84 K2GF tanks and 132 K9A1 howitzers.

In addition, 152 units of K9PL are expected to be delivered by 2027 under the second contract. These 152 K9PLs will have 13 upgrades, including a chemical and biological defense system, heating and cooling systems, an automatic fire suppression system and smoke grenade launchers.

Developed by Hyundai Rotem for the South Korean armed forces, the K2 Black Panther tank is known for its advanced technology and firepower. Operated by a crew of three (driver, gunner, commander), this 55-tonne tank is equipped with a 120mm CN08 smoothbore gun capable of firing 120 x 570mm shells. This 55-caliber gun (6.6 meters long) is fed by an autoloader in the rear turret compartment containing 16 rounds, with an additional 24 rounds stored in the hull, to the right of the driver's seat. The main gun is paired with a 7.62mm M60E2 general purpose machine gun and a 12.7mm K6 heavy machine gun (licensed M2 Browning) mounted on the turret roof.

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Depending on the production series, the K2 is equipped with different engines. The initial series was equipped with a German MTU MT 883 Ka-501 diesel engine with a capacity of 1500 horsepower, which was produced under license by the Korean company STX Engine. Starting with the second series, the South Korean HD Hyundai Infracore DV27K engine was introduced, offering comparable performance. In both cases, the Renk HSWL 295 TM gearbox is responsible for the transmission, and work is also underway to integrate the SNT Dynamics EST15K gearbox, also made in Korea. These engines allow the K2 to reach a maximum speed of 70 km/h. Currently, this tank is operated only by South Korea and Poland.

Complementing this arsenal is the K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzer, developed by Hanwha Aerospace. This machine, developed for the armed forces of South Korea, operates with a crew of five: commander, gunner, loader, assistant loader and driver. The main armament — 155 mm rifled gun in a rotating turret with a range of 40 km using standard projectiles with a base unit and more than 50 km with special ammunition. The system holds 48 shells and projectile charges. The K9 Thunder is equipped with a licensed MTU MT 881 Ka-500 diesel engine with a capacity of 1000 horsepower. Weighing 47 tons, the howitzer has a top speed of 67 km/h and a range of 480 km.

These purchases fall under executive agreements signed with South Korea in recent years, under which the Polish Army plans to acquire 218 K9A1s, which supplemented by 146 units of the K9PL version and 180 K2GF tanks. Negotiations are also underway regarding an additional order for 180 K2 tanks, this time in the "PL" version. according to Polish specifications, although the full scope of these modifications has not yet been determined.

Poland has undertaken an ambitious modernization of its armed forces. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), in 2023 Poland's military spending will reach 3.8% of GDP, which is the highest among NATO countries. This significant increase reflects Warsaw's intention to strengthen its defense capabilities in response to perceived threats, particularly from Russia.