Poland signed contracts with the South Korean Defense Industry for the purchase of K2 tanks and K9 howitzers.

The Minister of Defense of Poland spoke at the signing ceremony about Poland’s plans to increase its military power and increase the number of servicemen to 300,000.

Currently, the Armed Forces of Poland consist of 120,000 people.

The first supply of South Korean tanks and howitzers strengthened the Polish army in 2022.

“Within the contract framework we will order 1,000 K2 tanks, over 600 K9 howitzers, and 3 FA50 squadrons. What for? Because we learn our lessons from the events in Ukraine. We learn how Russia attacks. We can see that armoured forces and artillery are of great importance on the battlefield nowadays, hence the decision to strengthen this type of armed forces,” the Minister of Defense of Poland said.

According to the released modernization plan of the Armed Forces, Poland plans to acquire 180 K2 main battle tanks.

The Polish military will receive Korean tanks between 2022 and 2025.

820 more K2 tanks should start arriving in Poland in 2026.

In terms of artillery systems, Poland will acquire 672 155mm K9 tracked self-propelled howitzers manufactured by the Hanwha Defense.

Previously, Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak signed a deal for the supply of FA-50 aircraft.

This deal will equip up to three Air Force squadrons. The first aircraft will be delivered as early as mid-2023.

“We are interested in purchasing three squadrons, that is 48 aircraft. The first aircraft will be delivered to Poland next year,” the Minister said the day before.