On Tuesday, December 6, 2022, the disembarkment of the first K2 tanks and K9 gun-howitzers for Poland was completed in Gdynia. The delivery was carried out under the terms stipulated in contracts concluded this year with South Korea. The Polish Armed Forces are consistently strengthening their potential with the use of Korean defense technologies.

 “Many said that these are only plans that may or may not be implemented. We have proved that we develop the Polish Armed Forces consistently strengthening their capabilities, so I wish to tell all doubters that if there's a will, there's a way. I would like to thank the Korean side for our cooperation and for that I can count on a partnership approach that breaks various barriers that appear. We have a common goal. It is building Polish-Korean relations and strengthening the free world’s armed forces. The cooperation that has been established between Polish and Korean companies will certainly result in the development of armaments production.”

- stressed Deputy Prime Minister M. Błaszczak.

In July, a framework agreement was concluded with Hyundai Rotem for the acquisition of a total of 1,000 K2 tanks and its Polonized K2PL development version along with accompanying vehicles: technical and engineering support vehicles, accompanying bridges, and other elements based on Polish solutions, as well as a training and logistics package, ammunition supply and manufacturer's technical support. Moreover, the framework agreement concluded with Hanwha Defense covers the acquisition of a total of 672 K9A1 self-propelled howitzers and its Polonized K9PL development version along with accompanying vehicles, as well as a training and logistics package, ammunition supplies and technical support from the manufacturer.

The head of the Ministry of National Defense noted that this was the first of the planned deliveries of Korean equipment for the Polish Armed Forces.

 “Today, we have 10 K2 tanks and 24 K9 howitzers on Polish soil. I emphasize that this is only the first batch of equipment that is to be delivered to Poland. There will be more deliveries next year. Polish soldiers are already training using this equipment in South Korea, so they already have the appropriate knowledge to operate it when the time comes. Our agreement also covers the logistics and training packages. Additionally, thanks to our cooperation, we ordered ammunition for this weapon. We consistently strengthen the Polish Armed Forces. I want to assure everyone that we will not stop in our efforts, which are aimed at the Polish Armed Forces’ strengthening in order to assure the security of our Homeland”

– he said.
 
At the end of August, executive contracts related to the acquisition of the first 180 K2 tanks from the Korean side in 2022-2025 and 212 K9 self-propelled howitzers in 2022-26 were concluded. On October 29, the framework agreement for the acquisition of K239 multi-guided CHUNMOO launchers anticipates the delivery of the first 18 launchers, integrated with Polish JELCZ vehicles, along with ammunition, already in 2023.

 “At the moment, the process of the Polish Armed Forces’ modernization is taking place not only through the purchases but above all the deliveries of K2 tanks and K9 howitzers from South Korea. For months, since on February 24 when Russia invaded Ukraine, we have all clearly seen one thing - only the heroism of a soldier equipped with modern, effective weapons can stop Russian imperial ambitions and Russian brutality. To prevent aggression, and to stop the enemy, it is necessary for the armed forces to have this equipment. Today, this state-of-the-art armament strengthens the Polish Armed Forces and becomes a fact. It becomes part of the equipment of the Polish Armed Forces (...) Very often in such situations, when a shipment is received, it is said that we have been waiting for this day for a long time. With great satisfaction, I want to emphasize that we did not wait long for this day, for which I would like to thank Deputy Prime Minister Mariusz Błaszczak and our Korean partners.

- noted the president.

The delivery of each of the above-mentioned, already contracted types of military equipment means comprehensive industrial cooperation at subsequent stages, which will increase the capabilities of the Polish defense industry, since many components of these weapons systems will be produced in Poland.