Polish forces replace Soviet tanks with cutting-edge K2 Black Panther tanks
According to the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces on X, soldiers from the 16th Mechanized Division have begun intensive training on K2 Black Panther tanks. The new tanks will replace the post-Soviet T-72 tanks.
The Polish Army is expanding with additional K2 Black Panther tanks. The latest delivery arrived in Poland in mid-December, bringing the total to 84 units of these highly advanced machines, considered among the most modern in the world.
Modern tanks in the service of the Polish Armed Forces
According to a post by the General Staff of the Polish Armed Forces, K2 tanks are being assigned to the 16th Mechanized Division. The tanks, manufactured by Hyundai Rotem in Korea, are replacing the post-Soviet T-72. Soldiers from the division have now embarked on "intensive training," as stated in the announcement.
The army notes that commanders, gunners, and drivers are participating in the course. Training began in mid-January 2025, and demanding theoretical and practical exams are planned for March. The General Staff adds that the tank operators are not only improving their skills on the K2 tanks but also "strengthening the operational readiness and effectiveness of the Polish armed forces."
The K2 tank, produced by the Koreans, is considered to be technologically advanced. Due to its capabilities, the production cost of one unit is estimated at 9 million dollars. However, since the basic version of the K2 was designed for operations on the Korean Peninsula, the tanks for the Polish market have been appropriately modified to meet local requirements.
K2 Black Panther Tanks
The successors of the post-Soviet T-72 tanks are equipped with an autoloader that maintains a high rate of fire under all conditions. This design requires only three crew members, so the army does not need to alter the current crew structure in Polish mechanized divisions.
The K2 Black Panther tanks boast advanced weaponry, including a 120-mm smoothbore gun L/55, which is compatible with NATO-standard ammunition. Machine guns with calibers of 0.5 inches and 0.3 inches provide additional firepower. Thanks to their powerful engines, which offer up to 1,500 horsepower, these tanks, weighing approximately 121,000 pounds, can reach speeds of around 45 mph.
