Hyundai Rotem is showcasing a new chapter in its K2 tank business in Poland, where locally developed equipment is being integrated into the Korean-made main battle tank as the company accelerates efforts to establish a local defense production ecosystem.
The South Korean defense company is participating in the 34th International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO), held in Kielce, Poland, from Sept. 8 to 11. Hyundai Rotem is taking part in the exhibition for the fifth consecutive year and is operating the largest booth among South Korean defense companies at the event.
A key attraction at this year’s exhibition is the K2PL zone, which highlights the company’s efforts to tailor the K2 main battle tank to the operational requirements of the Polish military.
For the first time, Hyundai Rotem is displaying a K2 tank equipped with a Mobile Camouflage System (MCS) developed by Polish defense company Miranda. The camouflage system is designed to remain fitted to the vehicle during movement and combat operations, reducing the tank’s exposure to various detection systems, including thermal imaging and night-vision equipment.
The MCS is being displayed on a K2GF main battle tank currently being supplied to Poland, providing a visible example of how Polish-made equipment can be integrated into the K2 platform.
The K2PL program goes beyond camouflage equipment. The Polish-specific version of the K2 is planned to incorporate technologies designed to counter emerging battlefield threats, including active protection systems (APS) against anti-tank guided missiles and drones, drone jammers and remote weapon control systems.
Hyundai Rotem is also presenting a Polish-specific bridge-layer tank developed jointly with Poland’s Obrum. The vehicle features mission equipment optimized for local battlefield conditions and represents an expansion of cooperation between the two countries beyond the K2 main battle tank itself.
The company is also highlighting its unmanned and counter-drone capabilities. A model of its HR-SHERPA multipurpose unmanned ground vehicle equipped with a remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS) from Polish defense company ZMT is on display. A 30-ton-class wheeled armored vehicle fitted with an unmanned turret designed for counter-unmanned aircraft system (C-UAS) operations is also being showcased.
The exhibition comes as Hyundai Rotem prepares for the next stage of K2 production in Poland. The company is accelerating preparations for local manufacturing under its second executive contract with Poland’s Armament Agency.
In April, Hyundai Rotem signed a cooperation agreement with BUMAR-ŁABĘDY, a defense company under Poland’s state-owned PGZ group, covering local production and maintenance of K2PL tanks and recovery vehicles.
Hyundai Rotem plans to continue expanding partnerships with Polish defense companies as it establishes the supply and maintenance infrastructure needed for long-term local production.
“The Polish K2 is a symbolic result of the technological capabilities of companies from both countries coming together,” a Hyundai Rotem official said. “We will ensure the smooth implementation of local production and contribute to Poland’s security and the development of the defense industries of both countries.”
