S.Korea's K2 tanks undergo first live fire test in Poland

South Korea's main battle tank K2 Balck Panther and K-9 self-propelled howitzers will undergo live-fire test at the Oziši training ground in northeastern Poland on Thursday, according to South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration on the same day. 

The 16th Armored Brigade of Poland posted photos on its social media account, showing soldiers loading training ammunition onto the K2 tank, and stating that troops are preparing for the final K2 live-fire test.

While the K-9 self-propelled artillery has undergone similar tests, this will be the first live-fire test of the K2 tank in Poland.

The exercise is expected to be attended by senior Polish officials, including Mariusz Blaszczak, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of National Defense.

Messages on Twitter and other social media platforms suggest that Polish President Andrzej Duda will also attend the event, along with training rehearsal photos.

Industry insiders reveal that Poland is conducting training rehearsals under very strict security measures because President Duda is scheduled to attend the site.

Last July, Poland announced its plans to introduce 980 K2 tanks and 648 K-9 self-propelled howitzers. In August of the same year, Hyundai Rotem and Hanwha Defense signed a $5.76-billion contract with the Polish Armaments Inspectorate for the first batch of K2 tanks and K-9 self-propelled howitzers.

The initial delivery arrived in Poland in Dec. 2022, and an additional five units were delivered on Feb. 22 this year.

Write to Dong-Hyun Kim at 3code@hankyung.com