Poland has deployed its first K2 Black Panther tanks, built by South Korean manufacturer Hyundai Rotem, to the 9th Armored Cavalry Brigade in Braniewo, located just a few kilometers from Russia’s Kaliningrad region.
A spokesperson for Poland’s 16th Pomeranian Mechanized Division shared the news with the Polish press, as reported by European Pravda on November 14.
The tanks arrived on trailers and are currently undergoing final acceptance procedures, with military officials and South Korean representatives expected to complete the process by the end of the day.
"Next, we’ll be equipping the tanks with communication and other systems used by the Polish army," the spokesperson added.
The K2 Black Panther tanks are renowned for their state-of-the-art technology, including active protection systems designed to counter missile and anti-tank threats. Their high mobility allows them to move effectively across difficult terrains, such as marshes and sandy areas, while precision targeting and fire-control systems ensure performance across various combat situations.
The 9th Brigade has received seven tanks in this initial delivery, with another batch scheduled to arrive by year-end. The unit now has eight fully trained crews who completed instruction with the 20th Mechanized Brigade.
Poland signed a $3.4 billion deal with South Korea in August 2022 to acquire an initial 180 K2 tanks.
Additionally, the United States has recently launched a new missile defense base in Redzikowo, a northern Polish town near the Baltic Sea, further strengthening Poland's defensive position in the region.
