The partnership follows an earlier Memorandum of Understanding and establishes a framework for joint activities in support of the Republic of Korea’s APS programme and international opportunities. “This agreement represents a shared commitment to advancing battlefield survivability for next-generation armoured platforms,” said Tzvi Marmor, Executive Vice President and Head of Rafael’s Land and Naval Systems Division.
Marmor added: “We are proud to deepen our collaboration with Hyundai Rotem and look forward to combining Rafael’s operational combat experience with Korea’s industrial and technological strength to support both local and international defence needs.” Hyundai Rotem confirmed that Rafael’s combat-proven TROPHY APS will be integrated onto the K2, including the Polonised K2PL version for Poland, marking the first time the Korean platform will carry such a system.
“With a strong track record on the battlefield, the Trophy APS offers a significant opportunity to enhance the protection of the K2 main battle tank,” said Hyung-Joon Jo, Senior Vice President and Head of Hyundai Rotem’s Defence Solutions R&D Centre. “Through a strategic teaming agreement, both companies will work closely to optimise and fully integrate the APS, tailoring it specifically for the K2 while ensuring adaptability for a wide range of customers. We expect that the Trophy APS will also benefit greatly from the global market expansion of the K2 main battle tank.”
Industry observers note that the agreement could strengthen the K2’s position in overseas tenders, especially in Europe where demand for modern main battle tanks is increasing. The collaboration underlines Hyundai Rotem and Rafael’s intention to deliver advanced protection systems for Korean forces while pursuing co-development, local production and export opportunities.
The move comes after Poland signed a $6.5 billion contract with Hyundai Rotem on 1 August to acquire 180 K2 tanks, reviving Polish tank production after more than a decade. Deliveries include 116 K2GF tanks between 2026 and 2027, followed by 64 upgraded K2PL tanks between 2028 and 2030, with assembly work to take place partly in Poland.
The K2PL version will be tailored for the Polish Army, featuring NATO-standard enhancements including reinforced armour, active protection, anti-drone measures and modifications based on operational use of earlier variants. The deal also includes ammunition, spare parts, specialist tools, testing equipment and simulation-based training systems for crews and technical personnel.
Poland will also receive 81 K2-based support vehicles between 2029 and 2031, covering armoured recovery, engineering and bridging functions, with domestic firms such as OBRUM and Bumar-Łabędy involved in the design. Hyundai Rotem will equip Bumar-Łabędy with the necessary machinery to establish an assembly line and support local production of key components including the hull, turret, suspension, main armament and autoloader.
The agreement builds on the 2022 framework deal and further consolidates defence ties between Warsaw and Seoul following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Poland has also procured K9 howitzers, FA-50 fighter aircraft and Chunmoo rocket artillery systems from South Korea in recent years.
