The Polish Vector of Armenian Armored Vehicles: Perspectives and Lessons of the Past

5/12/2026

The official visit of Armenian Defense Minister Papikyan to Poland began on May 5, 2026. During the visit, the Armenian delegation visited the headquarters of the 1st Mechanized Brigade in Warsaw, equipped with Abrams main battle tanks, where they familiarized themselves with the service conditions of the personnel. Papikyan also visited a military university, met with the leadership and Armenian servicemen undergoing training there, and on May 6, participated in the Defence24 security and defense conference.

A key point of the visit was the negotiations at the Polish Ministry of Defense with Minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz. Following these talks, the Polish side announced Armenia's interest in acquiring a "Polonized" version of the South Korean K2 Black Panther tanks, the production of which will be localized in Poland. The creation of an Armenian defense attaché office in Poland was also discussed, which may indicate that Armenian-Polish military-technical cooperation is moving into a practical phase.

Unsuccessful experience of past Armenian-Polish defense projects: From the failed T-72 modernization to the closure of Lubawa Armenia.

To date, the backbone of Armenia's armored forces consists of T-72 tanks. These machines were produced in the 1970s and 1980s and have long been technically obsolete. The problem became particularly acute during the 2020 war, when Armenian tank units faced the massive use of strike drones and precision-guided missiles. Armenian T-72s entered combat without dynamic protection and without effective means of increasing battlefield survivability. Limited night-combat capabilities were also a serious factor. In fact, tank units found themselves in a new-generation war with equipment whose modernization had been postponed for years.

Notably, the topic of modernizing Armenian T-72s was raised as far back as 2013, specifically in connection with Poland. At that time, the possibility of the Polish company Bumar Łabędy carrying out work to upgrade Armenian tanks to the PT-72U level—a deep modernization of the T-72 with improved protection, a modern fire control system, thermal imaging, and an updated engine—was discussed. According to available information, the plan involved the modernization of 84 Armenian tanks.

However, the project was never realized. In the fall of 2016, it became known that Yerevan had opted for cooperation with Russia regarding the renewal of its armored fleet; as a result, the Armenian tanks received no modernization at all, and the program was effectively frozen. The 2020 war demonstrated the consequences of entering a conflict with equipment not adapted to modern combat conditions.

It is worth noting that current discussions involve the same Polish enterprise, Bumar Łabędy, with which Armenia negotiated in 2013. The production of the Polish version of the K2 is carried out at this facility. Thirteen years later, Armenian-Polish contacts in the armored sector are returning to the same industrial site, but now in the context of a more ambitious project.

Armenian-Polish military-technical cooperation has had other problematic episodes. In 2014, the joint Armenian-Polish venture "Lubawa Armenia SA" was established, with the majority stake held by the Polish company Lubawa S.A. and 49% by the Ministry of Defense of Armenia. The production site in Charentsavan manufactured products tailored to the needs of the Armenian army: camouflage nets, decoys, inflatable mock-ups of equipment, bulletproof vests, tactical and staff tents for rapid deployment, and other specialized products.

However, the project failed to develop further. In 2019, Lubawa S.A. ceased its activities in Armenia. This became another negative example of Armenian-Polish military-technical cooperation.

Re-equipping Armenian tank forces: Modernizing the T-72 or transitioning to the K2?

Current talks about the possible purchase of the K2 evoke a dual reaction. On one hand, it is one of the most modern main battle tanks in the world. The South Korean K2 features a modern fire control system, advanced electronics, thermal imaging sights, high mobility, and a significantly higher level of protection. Poland is implementing a large-scale program for the localized production of the K2PL—an adapted version of the tank for the Polish army, which will receive several improvements compared to the base Korean model.

However, questions arise regarding the practical feasibility of such a purchase for Armenia. The K2 is an extremely expensive platform in terms of both acquisition and operation. For Armenia, the problem lies not only in the cost of the vehicles themselves but also in the need to create a new maintenance infrastructure, train crews, and manage logistics, spare parts, and ammunition supplies. The K2 tank, with its smoothbore gun, uses 120mm NATO standard shells, and large quantities would need to be purchased. For instance, one such shell can cost two to three times more than the 125mm shell used in the T-72. Today, Armenia can purchase 125mm shells relatively cheaply from countries like India, Iran, and even Russia, whereas European factories are currently backlogged with orders for years due to the global ammunition shortage.

An economically justified option for Armenia could be the deep modernization of its existing T-72 fleet—installing thermal imaging systems, communication tools, dynamic protection, new engines, additional armor, and updated fire control systems—naturally, after assessing the current condition and suitability for modernization. In parallel, provided that:

a) hundreds of millions of dollars are available;
b) the purchase of new tanks is a priority for army development,

Armenia could plan for the purchase of new tanks and a gradual transition to the new caliber and standards.

In modern warfare, characterized by the mass use of cheap strike assets—FPV drones, loitering munitions, and ATGMs—the role of tanks is becoming increasingly vulnerable. Therefore, without a comprehensive reform of how tanks are utilized—including the integration of reconnaissance systems and unmanned platforms—even the most modern tanks cannot fundamentally change the balance on the battlefield.

Poland as a new element in the diversification of Armenia's military-technical ties.

Nevertheless, the negotiations with Poland themselves have significant military-technical importance. In recent years, Poland has transformed into one of the defense hubs of Eastern Europe and is actively increasing its own weapons production.

Interestingly, Warsaw is actively developing cooperation with India: the successful use of Polish Warmate drones (produced by WB Group) in combat against Pakistan led to the signing of three new contracts for their supply and local assembly in India. In turn, India is considering the possibility of building a 155mm shell production plant in Poland. Since the start of the war in Ukraine, the shortage of 155mm shells has become one of the key problems for European armies.

The establishment of an Armenian military attaché office in Poland is also an important step toward building direct, sustainable contacts with the Polish defense industry. Under such conditions, a military attaché performs functions broader than simple diplomatic representation. Negotiations for arms purchases and direct contacts between headquarters and defense enterprises are typically coordinated through the military attaché's office.

The topic of potential future purchases in Poland—whether K2 tanks or something else—may be a continuation of Armenia's process of diversifying its military-technical ties and searching for new partners. This aligns with the Armenian authorities' policy aimed at reducing dependence on Russia following the events of recent years.

Eduard Arakelyan

RCDS

The original was published on Civilnet.am