Poland to deploy K2 tanks on border with Kaliningrad region

Poland plans to deploy its K2 tanks, which are part of the 20th Mechanized Brigade, on the border with the Kaliningrad Region.

The Polish Defense Ministry reported about this on its social media.

Mariusz Błaszczak, Polish Defense Minister, emphasized that the 20th Mechanized Brigade, which is part of the 16th Mechanized Division, is a unit that ensures the security of the northeastern part of Poland.

The minister assured that K2 tanks will be an excellent weapon for deterring the aggressor.

“We are living in difficult times, Russia attacked Ukraine, is trying to recreate the empire, and such attempts have always been dangerous for Poland,” Błaszczak said.

“Currently, the process of formation and arming of the 16th Mechanized Division is ongoing. Ultimately, the division will have four brigades. This year, ten K2 tanks of the 20th Mechanized Brigade will go to Morąg town,” the Ministry of Defense said in a statement.

The 20th Mechanized Brigade is stationed in the town of Morąg near the border with the Kaliningrad region of Russia.

As previously reported, Poland signed a $3.37 billion deal with the Korean company Hyundai Rotem for the supply of 180 K2 tanks during 2022-2025, 10 of which the Polish Armed Forces will receive in 2022.

In addition to the tanks themselves, the deal includes training and logistical support, as well as a significant supply of ammunition. The contractor will also provide service support in Poland from the moment of delivery of the first tanks. The logistics package includes a stock of spare parts and consumables, as well as sets of special tools and diagnostic devices.

K2 Black Panther

The K2 Black Panther is a Generation 3+ South Korean main battle tank. The tank is armed with an L55 120mm smoothbore gun. Auxiliary weapons are a 7.62-mm machine gun and a 12.7-mm large-caliber M2 machine gun.

The improved fire control system of the tank ensures high efficiency when firing at long distances. Polish K2 tanks are equipped with armor in a standard configuration, which ensures high ballistic and anti-mine resistance. Tanks can be additionally supplemented with active protection systems, such as soft kill (VIRSS) and hard kill (KAPS).

The vehicle is equipped with a 1500 hp diesel engine. with an automatic transmission that provides high speed and mobility on any terrain.