Latest news with #K2BlackPanther
Time of India
10-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
One of the world's best battle tanks doesn't come from the US — Poland turns to tiny South Korea, buys 180
Poland is buying tanks from South Korea: A massive $6 billion military move to deter Russia- Poland is buying tanks from South Korea at a record-breaking scale, signaling its readiness to confront any future threat from Russia. On July 2, Warsaw signed a major $6 billion defense deal with Seoul for 180 K2 Black Panther Main Battle Tanks. This comes amid rising concerns over Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine and fears that Moscow may set its sights on Poland next. As U.S. commitment in Europe appears to wane, Poland is stepping up its military game—partnering with South Korea to rapidly modernize and expand its armed forces. Poland skips US tanks and turns to South Korea — why the K2 Black Panther is winning In a surprising move that bypasses U.S. and German defense giants, Poland has doubled down on South Korea's K2 Black Panther, buying a total of 180 tanks in a deal worth approximately $6 billion. The K2, often overshadowed by American M1 Abrams or German Leopard 2s, is rapidly gaining a reputation as one of the most advanced main battle tanks (MBTs) in the world. Poland's decision isn't just about fast delivery — it's a strategic shift toward a lighter, more mobile, and tech-forward tank that better fits modern European battlefields. The deal also includes significant technology transfer, with many tanks to be assembled in Poland under the K2PL variant, reinforcing local industry and NATO interoperability. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas Prices In Dubai Might Be More Affordable Than You Think Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Quote Undo Why is Poland massively increasing its tank purchases from South Korea? Poland is bracing for the worst-case scenario: a direct military threat from Russia. With Ukraine still under siege and NATO unity being tested, Warsaw is not taking any chances. Poland's recent $6 billion deal with South Korea will bring in 180 additional K2 Black Panther tanks, adding to the 180 it had already agreed to purchase in 2022. This new agreement marks South Korea's largest single arms export in history, and it highlights Poland's aggressive defense buildup strategy. The deal was signed with Hyundai Rotem, the tank's manufacturer, and includes local production of 63 units in Poland. This co-production arrangement will boost Poland's domestic defense industry, involving its key player PGZ (Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa). Live Events What makes the K2 Black Panther tank so attractive to Poland? Poland wants the best, and the K2 Black Panther is considered among the most advanced tanks in the world. Developed by Hyundai Rotem, this 55-ton beast is packed with next-gen technology. It features a 120mm L/55 smoothbore gun with an autoloader, capable of firing NATO-standard shells and South Korea's own KSTAM smart top-attack munitions. The tank also includes: Autoloading and hunter-killer systems with automated target detection and tracking Firing rate of 10–15 rounds per minute Secondary weapons: 12.7mm heavy machine gun and 7.62mm coaxial machine gun Advanced defense: explosive reactive armor (ERA), soft-kill smoke launchers, and hard-kill active protection systems (APS) Mobility: powered by a 1,500-horsepower engine, it can hit speeds of 44 mph and travel up to 277 miles For Poland, the K2PL version also includes enhanced armor and anti-drone electronic warfare capabilities—key upgrades for modern battlefield conditions. How does the K2 stack up against the Abrams and Leopard? Compared to the American M1A2 Abrams and German Leopard 2A7 , the K2 Black Panther brings a unique edge in mobility, automation, and adaptability : Weight & mobility : The K2 weighs about 55 tons , making it significantly lighter than the Abrams (~70 tons) and Leopard (~65 tons), giving it better agility and faster deployment — especially in mountainous or marshy terrain. Firepower : Its 120mm L/55 smoothbore gun with an autoloader allows up to 15 rounds per minute, a higher firing rate than both the Abrams and Leopard, which rely on manual loading. Crew efficiency : With just three crew members thanks to its autoloader, the K2 cuts manpower and training needs compared to the four-man Western tanks. Suspension system : Its hydropneumatic suspension lets it kneel, tilt, or raise itself, offering a tactical edge in both offense and defense. Active protection : It includes cutting-edge composite armor, ERA, and advanced active protection systems, rivaling or even outpacing what's currently on the Abrams and Leopard. In short, while the Abrams and Leopard are combat-proven, the K2 represents a leap forward in battlefield innovation — and Poland's investment signals growing confidence in South Korea's defense technology. Is Poland building tanks at home under this deal? Yes, and that's a major part of the strategy. Out of the 180 tanks Poland is buying in this latest batch, 63 will be built domestically. This co-production plan is designed to strengthen Poland's long-term defense autonomy while deepening its ties with South Korea. This move follows a larger pattern. In 2022, Poland signed more than $22 billion in defense agreements with South Korea, covering: 180 K2 tanks 212 K9 self-propelled howitzers 48 FA-50 light fighter jets Chunmoo multiple rocket launch systems South Korea has quickly become Poland's most important defense partner outside NATO. Is Russia really planning to invade Poland? Right now, there's no solid evidence that Russia is directly preparing to invade Poland. But Polish leaders aren't willing to wait and find out. Their assumption is that once Russia completes its goals in Ukraine—if it ever does—Moscow could shift its focus westward. Poland doesn't want to be caught off guard. While some analysts question the likelihood of Russia pushing into NATO territory, Poland is taking no chances. Officials see military preparedness as the best form of deterrence, and this arms deal sends a strong message to Moscow: 'Don't even think about it.' How does this deal impact South Korea's defense industry and politics? For South Korea, this is a major win. The $6 billion tank deal is the country's biggest-ever single arms export. It also helps President Lee Jae-myung, who has faced political turbulence since his predecessor Yoon Suk-yeol's attempted martial law in December 2024. The deal highlights South Korea's growing role as a global arms supplier, especially to nations seeking rapid military upgrades amid growing threats. For Hyundai Rotem and the broader Korean defense sector, Poland is a flagship customer—and possibly a gateway to more European contracts. Is Poland turning itself into a 'military porcupine'? In many ways, yes. Poland's defense strategy is now centered on becoming so well-armed that any attempt to cross its borders would be suicidal for an adversary. With the U.S. slowly stepping back from Europe and the war in Ukraine showing no signs of resolution, Poland is preparing for the long haul. The K2 Black Panther tanks are not just weapons—they're symbols of Poland's warning to Russia: FAQs: Q1: Why is Poland buying tanks from South Korea? Poland wants to strengthen its defense as Russia's war in Ukraine raises concerns of future threats. Q2: What makes the K2 Black Panther tank special? It's one of the world's most advanced tanks with top-tier firepower, armor, and mobility.
Nikkei Asia
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Nikkei Asia
South Korea wraps up talks toward potentially biggest-ever defense deal
Polish soldiers ride the South Korean-made K2 Black Panther tank during training in Poland on June 24. © Reuters STEVEN BOROWIEC SEOUL -- South Korea's weapons development authority announced the completion of negotiations for what is said to be the biggest deal in the history of the country's arms industry, marking a step forward for the ascending weapons manufacturer. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration said in a news release on Wednesday that Hyundai Rotem, a privately owned South Korean company, had concluded talks with Poland to supply K2 tanks. The agency did not disclose the size of the contract, but in a research report, Mirae Asset Securities valued it at $6.7 billion for the provision of 261 tanks.
Nikkei Asia
03-07-2025
- Automotive
- Nikkei Asia
South Korea's Hyundai Rotem to sign K2 tank order worth $6.5bn with Poland
Polish soldiers ride the South Korean-made K2 Black Panther tank during training in Poland on June 24. © Reuters SEOUL (Reuters) -- Poland has completed negotiations with South Korea's Hyundai Rotem to receive a second batch of K2 tanks and plans to sign a contract, South Korea's defense procurement agency said on Wednesday. The specific size of the contract will be disclosed later, South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration said in a statement. On Thursday, Hyundai Rotem said in a regulatory filing the Polish arms procurement agency has confirmed the contract was worth $6.5 billion. It said further details of the deal would be announced in a later filing. The Yonhap News Agency has said the deal was to supply 180 tanks. In 2022, Poland and Hyundai Rotem agreed a supply deal for the first batch, or 180 K2 tanks. While the first contract focused on Korean-made vehicles that could be quickly supplied as Poland moved swiftly to boost its military amid Russia's war in neighboring Ukraine, the second batch is expected to grant the South Korean arms maker a more permanent foothold in Europe. DAPA said a production facility in Poland would be established, with a large number of K2 tanks to be assembled locally through cooperation between Hyundai Rotem and Polish defense companies.
Korea Herald
20-06-2025
- Business
- Korea Herald
K-defense surge: 5 stocks to know in 2 minutes
Korean defense companies have enjoyed a surge over the past year, scoring a series of mega-deals with foreign countries to export their defense systems. Below, we've covered the basics of the five major players — Hanwha Aerospace, Hyundai Rotem, LIG Nex1, Korea Aerospace Industries and Poongsan — by order of market capitalization as of June 20, 2025. Hanwha Aerospace Specializes in the development, manufacturing and maintenance of aerospace engines and land defense solutions featuring artillery systems, armored vehicles and air defense systems The K9 Thunder 155 mm self-propelled howitzer, which is currently used in 10 countries (Korea, Turkey, Poland, India, Finland, Norway, Estonia, Australia, Egypt and Romania) headlines Hanwha Aerospace's defense products along with the K10 ammunition resupply vehicle and Chunmoo Multiple Rocket Launcher System. Stock price increased from 248,000 won ($181) per share on June 20, 2024, to 939,000 won on June 20, 2025, to reach a market capitalization of 44.5 trillion won as the No. 5 stock on Kospi Hyundai Rotem Manufacturer of railway systems, plant equipment and defense solutions As Korea's sole tank manufacturer, Hyundai Rotem produces the K2 Black Panther tank used by Korea and Poland, as well as armored vehicles and uncrewed ground vehicles. Stock price increased from 40,150 won per share on June 20, 2024, to 212,000 won on June 20, 2025, to reach a market capitalization of 23.2 trillion won as the No. 22 stock on Kospi LIG Nex1 Major defense contractor of Korean military boasting a comprehensive product range that covers land, sea and air defense with a focus on precision-guided munitions Led by the Cheongung II, a medium-range surface-to-air missile that has been exported to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Iraq, LIG Nex1 has exported its missile systems to 11 countries and aims to expand the list to 30 by 2030. Stock price increased from 213,000 won per share on June 20, 2024, to 608,000 won on June 20, 2025, to reach a market capitalization of 13.5 trillion won as the No. 41 stock on Kospi Korea Aerospace Industries Only integrated aerospace manufacturer in Korea capable of developing and producing fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters and uncrewed aerial vehicles while supplying parts to other global aerospace firms such as Boeing and Airbus With over 1,300 aircraft produced, KAI has exported 224 of them, and the FA-50 light combat fighter jet has been delivered to Indonesia, the Philippines, Iraq and Poland. Stock price increased from 52,800 won per share on June 20, 2024, to 95,000 won on June 20, 2025, to reach a market capitalization of 9.4 trillion won as the No. 56 stock on Kospi Poongsan
India.com
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- India.com
Top 10 powerful tanks in the world, China and Pakistan have..., India's Arjun tanks are...
Tanks- File image Top 10 powerful tanks: The world has been witnessing many small to large conflicts as well as wars in the last few years. From the Russia-Ukraine war to the Israel-Hamas conflict and the Armenia–Azerbaijan clashes, the world has seen clashes in which tanks played a major role along with other critical weapons. Tanks have an altogether different level of significance in a conflict but do you know which are the best tanks that the top armies of the world currently use. Here is a list of the top 10 powerful tanks used across the world. Abrams M1A2 SEP v3 Tank (USA)- The Abrams M1A2 SEP v3 Tank is an advanced armor with firepower, and electronic systems. The tank is battle-proven in Iraq and Ukraine (via limited exports). Leopard 2A7+ Tank (Germany)- The Leopard 2A7+ Tank is known for balance of protection, speed, and precision. The tanks is currently being used by several NATO countries. K2 Black Panther (South Korea)- The K2 Black Panther of South Korea features advanced suspension and targeting. The tank was also exported to Poland and other European nations. T-14 Armata (Russia)- The T-14 Russian tank comes with a futuristic design with unmanned turret. It has very limited deployment across the world due to cost and sanctions on Russia. Challenger 3 (UK)- The Challengers 3 tanks come with latest upgrade with 120mm smoothbore gun, giving it enhanced survivability and mobility. Leclerc XLR (France)- The Leclerc XLR tanks are one of the best known tanks in the world. The tanks are the digitally modernized version of the Leclerc with a strong focus on mobility and networked warfare. Type 10 (Japan)- The Type 10 tanks are known for their lightweight and high-tech. They are ideal for Japan's mountainous terrain. VT4 (China): The VT4 is the third generation tank of the Chinese army. The tanks were also exported to Pakistan. T-90M 'Proryv' (Russia): The variant is the modernized T-90 variant, which was widely used during the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Arjun Mk 1A (India): The Arjun Mk 1A tank is heavily upgraded Indian tank with enhanced protection and firepower. The tank was deployed in limited numbers, mostly in Rajasthan.
