Systems that defend the vehicle against anti-tank missiles and drones, a distant controlled 12.7 mm device gun, enhanced armor – these are the fresh solutions that will benefit K2PL tank crews. The model of the car in the Polishized version was presented during the arms fair in Kielce.
K2 Black Panther tanks have already managed to settle in the Polish army for good. The first contract for their transportation was signed in August 2022. At the time, it was the South Korean company Hyundai Rotem that promised to deliver 180 vehicles in the GF version to the contractor within 3 years. Supplies continue. Meanwhile, a fewer weeks ago Poland concluded another contract with the Koreans. Like the erstwhile one, it assumes the transportation of 180 tanks, only that any of them will be built in a colonized version.
What will K2PL look like? For example, guests of this year's global Defence manufacture Salon in Kielce could see this, or more specifically those who looked at the Hyundai Rotem stand. There alongside the solid size of the K2GF tank, the Koreans presented the vehicle model in a fresh installment. “If we put together both versions, there will be 4 differences,” says Han boy Lee, marketing manager at Hyundai Rotem. The fresh tank will be equipped with an Israeli active Trophy protection system. It will detect incoming anti-tank missiles and activate its own missiles, if necessary, to neutralize the threat at a safe distance. This will consequence in an anti-drone strategy that interferes with operations close the drones of the enemy and circular ammunition. K2PL will receive stronger armor and the crew will usage a remote-controlled device weapon 12.7 mm.
But that is not the end. “Many elements of the tank will be built in Polish plants”, admits Han boy Lee. For example, K2PL will be equipped with native solutions for navigation, communication or combat management. As our interviewer points out, discussions on Polish components are inactive ongoing.
– Tanks in the Polishized version will be 64. The first three, I'd call them prototypes, will be produced in South Korea. Another 1 in Poland – Han boy Lee announces. The laying of hulls and towers will be carried out by the Bumar-Łabada plant in Gliwice, the cannon will be held by Huta Stalowa Wola.
The first K2PL should leave the Polish mill in 2029. In Poland, auxiliary vehicles are besides to be installed for the tank, including engineering wagons and method security. Their models were besides presented in Kielce.
