Hyundai Rotem strengthens its presence in Europe
South Korea is making a strategic step into the European arms market: Hyundai Rotem has announced plans to establish a K2 Black Panther main battle tank production and maintenance center in Poland. This center will become a key platform for the supply and support of tanks not only for the Polish army, but also for other European countries interested in modern armored vehicles.
The decision is due to the growing demand for high-tech weapons in the context of the tense geopolitical situation on the continent.
A major contract worth 6.5 billion dollars — expansion of cooperation
The new agreement between the Polish Ministry of National Defense and Hyundai Rotem, concluded in 2025, is estimated at about 6.5 billion dollars. This contract is the second in a row and significantly expands the scope of the original 2022 agreement, under which Poland ordered hundreds of K2 tanks.
The financing will go not only for the supply of new machines, but also for the construction of production facilities, staff training and the creation of a logistics and repair system in Poland.
K2 Black Panther — an advanced tank for European armies
The K2 Black Panther is considered one of the most advanced tanks in the world. It is equipped with an automated loading system, active protection, a powerful engine and a digital fire control system, which ensures high mobility, survivability and accuracy of fire. Its characteristics make it competitive against Western counterparts such as Leopard 2 and Abrams.
Localization of production in Poland will allow for faster response to the needs of the army and shorter delivery times for other partner countries.
Strategic importance for Poland and South Korea
For Poland, this project is an important element of modernizing the armed forces and strengthening national defense. Creating its own production base reduces dependence on external supplies and develops the domestic defense sector.
For South Korea, this is the largest export success in the field of heavy armored vehicles and a signal of its entry into a leading position in the global defense industry. Poland is becoming the "gateway" to Europe for Korean military technology.
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