The K2 is the least bad of all options available to the Poles. But I would not expect those 1000 tanks to be built in less than a decade. Their tank park is going to be a basketcase though with M1, Leopard 2, and K2. Tanks with different engines, transmissions, etc. M1 even has gas turbine engine
You didn’t even watch the video did you? Clearly you couldn’t have as you posted so soon after I posted it.
first the existing Polish armored fleet already operates different types of MBT. T72M1, PT91, Leopard 2A4, A5, NJ, PLM1.
The K2, K2PL and M1A1 and M1A2 Sepv3 are if anything a consolidation. Two standardized system sets with high degree of commonality amongst themselves with high likelihood of modernization programs vs T72 derivatives which are pretty much end of the line. Or the headache of Leopard 2.
The main thrust appears to be to play Abrams models which can use the same engine (AGT1500 TigrIII ) and transmission in the eastern regions. with heavier armored units apparently to be partnering with AS21 IFV. This terrain is tank county. Taking advantage of the Abrams heavy protection as a Steel wall against which any CIS (read Moscow) could only beat its own brains in.
K2 seems targeted to the wetter western areas in there deployment scheme. With a lighter Borask IFV as it’s partner.
However the real crème of this isn’t the tanks, it’s the infrastructure. Even if the Tank isn’t delivered at a 800 units before 2030.
Hyundai Rotem has set to Tech transfer to Poland and establish facilities to manufacture K2, K9 and more. At the perfect time too Russia’s fools gambit in Ukraine has reinvigorated the NATO arms market and the alliance as a whole.
If we Look at Europe west of the Russian/Belarus boarders we see NATO states. In the North Norway a soon to be NATO member is very serious about K2N ,Look south of Poland we find Romania, who has been looking for new MBT. K2 was almost bespoke designed for the Carpathian Mountains for Romania.
Look around lots of NATO states that used to be Warsaw pact countries who recently donated their residual Soviet T72 to Ukraine. Now looking to restock nato style.
Sure they have some leopard 2, Challenger 2 or Abrams but those have issues.
Leopard2? The Germans have strict controls. You can’t add your own systems or replace parts without Berlin’s approval. Only one active factory in Greece produces at a glacial pace. So your getting old tanks with limited support and from a maker who doesn’t want any changes.
Challanger 2? Nonstandard ammunition requiring a new turret to fix combined with a very wonky power pack and it’s probably the heaviest tanks in nato with almost no advantage from that weight.
Abrams. Good tank, standard ammo, great survival but thirsty and heavy.
Then look back at K2, K2 PL, K2M.
lighter weight modern Nato standard. Hyundai Rotem by the existence of the K2 PL and troublesome Altay show they are happy to license customize and technology transfer. K2N And the litany of K9 Thunder variants show they are happy to customize. Putting production in Poland and Polish large orders means that potential European customers don’t have to wait long for parts shipment and support. Well also still being in a NATO state and maintaining a low price point via Poland’s PPP.
