Among U.S. allies in Europe, Poland has been the strongest advocate for expanding European defense forces since the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. Continuing to take this mission seriously, Poland has turned to South Korea as a defense partner, particularly in the acquisition of K2 tanks.
Such collaboration serves as an example for other U.S. allies while also pointing to the necessary expansion of European defense.
Polish forces utilized Soviet-era battle tanks before investing in K2s. New efforts in modernization include plans to replace any outdated tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and artillery systems.
In August 2022, Poland signed a defense agreement with Hyundai Rotem in South Korea. The agreement included a contract for $3.4 billion worth of K2 tanks—180 units—to be sent to Poland before 2026.
By the end of 2024, Poland had already received 84 of the K2 tanks. Yet, the acquisition benefits of this relationship have only just begun. In addition to waiting for complete fulfillment of the first order, Poland is pursuing another deal with South Korea to acquire 820 additional tanks.
This purchase aligns with Poland’s 2025 security strategy which supports defense spending through streamlining investment into the defense industry and initiating a framework for Europe to take responsibility of their own security.
In addition, the purchase is consistent with Poland’s defense modernization program which intends to enhance land capabilities through new armored vehicles, artillery, and air defense.
The Polish Deputy Prime Minister W. Kosiniak-Kamysz recently stated to the Foreign Affairs Council, “We spend more not to participate in wars, but so that there are no wars in the first place.”
Nevertheless, Poland faces challenges related to the speed of procuring new systems and integrating them into their force structure.
But the key to accomplishing modernization goals lies in defense purchases from qualified countries like South Korea.
In fact, the U.S. International Trade Administration stated that, “As of 2023, South Korea has the world’s 9th largest defense budget and is the world’s 8th largest defense exporter.” The former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol declared intentions to bring South Korea into the rankings of highest four weapons suppliers in the world.
Such defense prioritization and a prosperous defense industrial base have placed South Korea as a leading security partner to the U.S. and its allies.
The accelerated timeline of Poland’s defense modernization necessitated outsourcing as domestic production could not have kept pace alone. Purchases from South Korea can and already have provided new systems with updated technology while on an efficient timeline.
The K2 Black Panther is a modern tank with advanced autoloaders, active protection systems, composite armor, and fire control. Additionally, the K2 has a 1,500-horsepower engine and advanced suspension which together offer benefits in maneuverability. Finally, the K2 is compatible with other NATO systems.
Yet, the cooperation between Poland and South Korea does not end with K2s. Poland has also signed contracts to purchase K9?155mm tracked self-propelled howitzers, HOMAR-K?and Chunmoo Multiple Launch Rocket Systems, and light fighter aircraft.
South Korea has even agreed for Poland to produce a variation of the K2 domestically. This system, the K2PL, will begin production in 2026.
What’s more, these weapons deals have created a cooperative framework from which training collaboration has emerged. In May 2025, 16 Polish soldiers spent two weeks training with the Chunmoo rocket artillery in Paju, South Korea.
Following presidential elections in June 2025, there will be a new administration in Poland. However, Poland’s modernization program was a bipartisan development which is unlikely to see great change.
At the upcoming NATO summit in The Hague, there is no doubt that Poland will be one of the strongest advocates for increased defense spending.
In determining where to allocate this defense spending, other European allies should consider following Poland’s example and purchasing defense systems from qualified and friendly countries abroad.
Overall, the partnership between Poland and South Korea illustrates the mutually beneficial nature of defense cooperation. And the rest of Europe would do well to learn from Poland’s example.