Poland Signs Contracts to Purchase K2 Black Panther Tanks and K9 Thunder Self-Propelled Howitzers for $5.8 Billion
Poland signed two contracts with South Korean companies to supply K2 Black Panther tanks and K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers. The total amount was $5.8 billion.
Here's What We Know
The Polish Defense Ministry signed a contract with Hyundai Rotem for the supply of 180 K2 Black Panther tanks. The deal amounted to $3.4 billion. The first combat vehicles will arrive in the country as early as 2022. The term of the contract is three years. The first 10 tanks will be delivered to the 16th Pomeranian Mechanized Division.
Also, an agreement was signed with Hanwha Defense, according to which Poland will receive 212 K9 Thunder self-propelled artillery guns of 155 mm caliber. The amount of the deal is $2.4 billion. All howitzers are to be received until 2026.
It should be noted that both deals include not only deliveries of arms. The agreement between the Polish Defense Ministry and the South Korean manufacturers envisages supply of ammunition, maintenance and training of the Polish Armed Forces.
It is worth mentioning that at the end of July Poland and South Korea signed a framework agreement which envisages the purchase of 1,000 K2 Black Panther tanks and 672 K9 Thunder self-propelled artillery units. Poland will also increase the size of its armed forces by more than 150%, from 120,000 to 300,000 troops.
Source: TVP Info
Image: Fighting Vehicles, The Defense Post, Asia Military Review
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