[Alpha Biz= Kim Jisun] South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem has concluded a second export contract for K2 main battle tanks with the Polish government, marking the largest single defense export deal in South Korean history and the first major arms deal under the Lee Jae-myung administration.
According to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and defense industry sources, Polish Defense Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and Hyundai Rotem finalized the agreement on July 2 (local time). While the exact contract value remains undisclosed at Poland’s request, industry estimates place it at approximately 180 units of K2 tanks worth $6.5 billion.
This contract follows the 2022 framework agreement between Poland and South Korea for the export of four major weapons systems: K2 tanks, K9 self-propelled howitzers, FA-50 light combat aircraft, and the Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher.
Unlike the first phase, which involved delivery of domestically manufactured K2 tanks, the second phase includes both Korean-made units and customized K2PL tanks tailored to Polish Army requirements. A significant portion of the tanks will be assembled locally in Poland, with Hyundai Rotem partnering with Polish firms to establish a domestic K2 production facility.
A formal signing ceremony with senior government officials from both countries is expected to follow.
알파경제 Kim Jisun (stockmk2020@alphabiz.co.kr)
