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Poland to produce South Korean tanks, defence minister confirms

21.06.2024 13:00
Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz has confirmed that some of the K2 battle tanks that his country ordered from South Korea will be manufactured, serviced and maintained in Poland.
Polands Defense Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz (right) and his South Korean counterpart Shin Won-sik (left) meet in Warsaw on Friday.
Poland's Defense Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz (right) and his South Korean counterpart Shin Won-sik (left) meet in Warsaw on Friday.Photo: PAP/Rafał Guz

Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz said on Friday that production of K2 tanks would commence domestically, with South Korea agreeing to facilitate a rapid technology transfer for this purpose.

"Yes, it has been decided," Kosiniak-Kamysz told reporters.

Czołgi K2 w służbie WPA K2 tank. Photo: Wojsko Polskie/WP/st. kpr. Piotr SZAFARSKI

Plans include establishing a service center within Poland where South Korean equipment purchased for Poland's needs and those of other European countries, such as Romania, will be repaired.

During the "Poland-South Korea Strategic Dialogue" conference held in Warsaw on Friday, Kosiniak-Kamysz met with his South Korean counterpart Shin Won-sik.

The politicians agreed on a schedule for joint contracts on the procurement of K2 tanks, K9 howitzers, FA-50 aircraft, and Chunmoo rocket launchers for the Polish army.

Poland also presented South Korea with an offer to purchase Polish military equipment, which Kosiniak-Kamysz said was preliminarily accepted.

"We buy a lot from South Korea, and we would like South Korea to buy from Poland as well," Kosiniak-Kamysz said.

Under the 2022 Polish-South Korean framework agreement, the Polish armed forces expect to receive 1,000 K2 main battle tanks in a customized version, K2PL.

Additionally, as part of the team-up, Poland aims to benefit from South Korea's experience in border protection, according to officials.

(mp/gs)

Source: IAR, PAPpolskieradio24.pl