Poland reactivates the capacity to build tanks – in Gliwice preparations for production of K2PL begin. Members of the National Defence Commission, Ministry of State Assets, the Armed Forces Agency and the Polish Armed Group informed about the details and state of implementation of the contract.
The Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of State Acts, the Polish Armed Forces Group and representatives of the Armed Forces Agency informed during the session of the National Defence Commission that the Bumar-Łabada Mechanical Plants would be the main centre of production of K2PL tanks. “After years, we make the tank again in Poland. This is simply a truly large achievement," stressed Deputy Minister of State Assets Robert Kropiwnicki.
The decision to find the task in Gliwice was made after analysing the possible of both Bumar-Łabada and Military Motorization Plants in Poznań. Ultimately, the Silesian plant was considered to have more improvement opportunities and to supply the right conditions for specified a large programme. Within the framework of the second executive agreement signed in August with Hyundai Rotem there is simply a transportation to the army of 180 tanks, 116 of which are to be in the K2GF version and 64 of the K2PL version. Importantly, 61 pieces are to be produced in Poland.
In addition, 31 method safety wagons, 25 engineering vehicles and 25 accompanying bridges are provided.
Second Implementing Agreement provides for a level increase vehicle protection, based on military experience from the war in Ukraine. The Polish version will receive, among others, an active vehicle protection system, an anti-drone strategy and additional armor. Tanks will be equipped with explosion-proof seats, light protection strategy against RPGs and mobile camouflage, and the fuel system, fire control strategy interface and hydraulic shielding will be upgraded.
Technology transfer and poloniumisation
The key component of the task is the Technology Transfer Agreement (TOT) negotiated with the Korean Hyundai Rot. According to Monika Kruczek, Bumar-Łabada's president, the paper covers not only the current contract, but besides subsequent contracts. – We want to participate in the Polishization, production of parts and operation of the full life cycle of tanks. The TOT agreement gives us the possible to assemble, repair, as well as upgrade K2 in the future – she noted.
The function of Polish plants will not be limited to installation. Bumar-Łabada will be responsible, among others, for the production of hulls and towers, while Huta Stalowa Wola for cannons. WSK Kalisz will prepare charging machines and Bumar Mikulczyce suspension systems. – It is vital for us that Polish companies play the biggest function in the process. This is an chance to make competences and usage the work of national engineers – he stressed President PGZ Adam Leszkiewicz.
Polishization will besides include electronic equipment. K2PL will be equipped in the Fonet communication system, Polish production cameras, navigation systems and integrated Polish combat management system.
The cops are getting ready for production.
The implementation of the programme requires crucial investments. Bumar-Łabędy is expected to receive PLN 850 million to upgrade and grow infrastructure. – The procedure for transferring money is underway, which will let us to begin rebuilding the halls immediately and building fresh infrastructure. We make an armored vehicle production center. This is simply a return to the roots of the plant – said president Leszkiewicz.
In Bumara-Łabada a fresh complex of painting and shotguns is created, assembly lines are modernized, and in addition, welding stations for bodies and towers, mechanical processing line and RTG chamber are built. In addition to tanks, method safety cars, engineering vehicles and associated bridges will besides be installed in the plant. The test infrastructure, including the water course, is besides being upgraded. method staff training is presently underway.
