Poland ordered 180 Korean K2 tanks: the country's army will become the strongest in NATO

Against the backdrop of rising tensions at its eastern borders, Poland has signed a new major contract for the supply of South Korean tanks. By 2030, Poland will have more tanks than the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Italy combined, having signed an agreement to purchase another 180 South Korean K2 tanks. The agreement, worth over 6 billion euros, marks a new phase in Poland's military buildup, driven by the war in neighboring Ukraine and the crisis at the Belarusian border since 2021, reports Euronews.

Poland spends 4.7 percent of its GDP on defense, the highest among NATO countries.

'This is a major deal for the security of our Homeland, for our defense industry. The deal kicks off the process of restoring tank production in our country,' noted Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Mariusz Błaszczak. Upon completion of the deal, which includes 61 tanks produced in Poland, Poland will have a total of 1100 tanks.

Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, and France have a total of 950 tanks. Only two NATO member countries - Greece and Turkey - will have more tanks than Poland when the deal is finalized. Currently, Turkey has 2238 tanks, and Greece has 1344.

Poland began acquiring tanks from South Korea in 2022, and then-Defense Minister Mariusz Błaszczak called it 'a win-win situation for both countries.' Previously, Poland also acquired K239 Chunmoo rocket artillery systems, FA-50 light combat aircraft, and K9 self-propelled howitzers from South Korea.

Poland also purchased Abrams tanks, Apache helicopters, HIMARS artillery systems, and Patriot missile defense systems from the USA. Earlier this year, US Defense Minister Pete Hegseth referred to Poland as 'a model NATO ally.'

Given the tense geopolitical situation in the region, Poland is bolstering its military capabilities, strengthening its defense posture, and cooperating with other NATO member states.