South Korea is emerging as a key defense partner for NATO member states, following a new deal to supply additional Hyundai Rotem K2 Black Panther main battle tanks to Poland.
The move underscores Seoul’s growing role in filling Europe’s urgent defense needs, often outpacing traditional suppliers like France and Germany by offering faster deliveries and local production.
On July 8, U.K.-based research firm GlobalData reported that the latest K2 deal reinforces South Korea’s reputation as a reliable defense supplier.
Amid heightened security concerns, the country is supplying NATO-compatible modern equipment and bolstering its footprint in Europe. GlobalData called the K2 program a “win-win” partnership for both South Korea and Poland.
“The additional contract will further deepen bilateral ties and strengthen Poland’s armored capabilities,” said Venkatesh Kandlikar, aerospace and defense analyst at GlobalData.
“Poland gains immediate combat readiness, while South Korea solidifies its position as a trusted strategic partner,” he added.
One of South Korea’s competitive advantages, according to GlobalData, is its willingness to localize production in the buyer’s country.
Hyundai Rotem plans to produce 63 of the 180 tanks in the second batch locally in Poland, in cooperation with Polish state-owned defense company PGZ.
Other Korean firms, including Hanwha Aerospace, which supplies K9 self-propelled howitzers and Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers, and Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), which is supplying FA-50 light combat aircraft, are also pursuing technology transfers to strengthen Poland’s defense industry.
GlobalData noted that South Korea’s technology sharing is not limited to Poland. Turkey’s Altay main battle tank, developed using K2 technology and powered by a Korean-made “power pack” of a 1,500-horsepower HD Hyundai Infracore engine and an automatic transmission from SNT Dynamics, is another example of Seoul’s collaborative approach.
Timely delivery is another factor setting South Korea apart. “France and Germany, traditional European defense exporters, have struggled to meet rising demand due to decades of reduced production after the Cold War,” Kandlikar said.
“South Korea is gaining recognition as a reliable supplier by offering fast delivery schedules and NATO-compatible platforms.”
He added that as NATO members ramp up defense spending to 5% of GDP, South Korea’s arms exports are likely to surge.
“The partnership between Poland and South Korea highlights how speed, cost-effectiveness, and strategic alignment have become key factors in defense procurement,” he said.
GlobalData estimates Poland will invest approximately $11.2 billion in K2 tanks by 2035. Poland signed an initial agreement with Hyundai Rotem in 2022 for 1,000 tanks, beginning with a first batch of 180 units. The latest second-phase deal, estimated at $6.5 billion, has now been finalized.
