Poland Set to Surpass Major European Powers in Tank Numbers by 2030

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Poland is on track to field more tanks by 2030 than the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Italy combined, following a substantial arms deal with South Korea. The agreement will see Warsaw purchase 180 additional K2 Black Panther tanks, part of a €6 billion defence package aimed at reinforcing national security and domestic arms production.

Once the deal is completed, Poland’s tank fleet will rise to 1,100, surpassing the combined total of 950 tanks held by the four major Western European powers. Only Turkey and Greece will possess more tanks among NATO allies, with 2,238 and 1,344, respectively.

The latest order forms part of a broader military build-up in response to growing instability on Poland’s eastern border, as well as the ongoing conflict in neighbouring Ukraine. Since 2021, Poland has steadily escalated its defence investments, now committing 4.7% of its GDP to the sector, the highest among NATO nations relative to economic output.

“This is a great deal for the security of our homeland and our arms industry,” wrote Defence Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz on social media platform X. “The agreement begins the process of restoring tank production in our country.”

Of the 180 K2 tanks being procured, 61 will be assembled in Poland. The package also includes 81 support vehicles, logistical and operational training, a long-term servicing plan, and a technology transfer agreement to bolster local manufacturing capabilities.

Poland began purchasing South Korean tanks in 2022, with then Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak calling the partnership “a win-win situation.” Since then, the country has expanded its defence procurement from both South Korea and the United States, acquiring advanced systems such as the K239 Chunmoo rocket launchers, FA-50 fighter aircraft, and K9 self-propelled howitzers.

From the US, Poland has added Abrams tanks, Apache helicopters, HIMARS artillery, and Patriot missile systems to its growing arsenal. During a visit earlier this year, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth praised Poland as a “model NATO ally.”

The signing of the new tank agreement coincided with the 81st anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising. At the ceremony, Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz paid tribute to those who fought for Poland’s freedom during World War II. “It is in the name of their memory, their heroism that we also sign this contract today,” he said.

“Thank you for this contract. I am very proud of it and happy that together we are building a strong, safe, and prosperous Poland,” he concluded.

With several European governments, including the current Labour-led UK administration, appearing more hesitant on defence strategy, Poland’s forward-thinking military posture is setting a markedly different tone across the continent. Rather than rhetoric, Warsaw is delivering results.