HD Construction Equipment signs 27 billion won deal with Polish military to supply bulldozers

HD Construction Equipment has signed a 27 billion won ($17.5 million) bulldozer supply contract with the Polish military, its first major win in a European military procurement program.

The contract covers 50 units of the 15-ton Develon bulldozer, with an option to expand the order volume. The company said it beat out top-tier U.S. and European rivals, attributing the win to its rapid delivery capabilities and technical responsiveness.

The deal comes two years after HD Construction Equipment entered the European bulldozer market. Company sources said the contract carries added significance as its first foothold in military procurement, which typically has very exacting specification demands.

To fulfill the order, the company modified its standard production equipment to meet customer-specific requirements including adjustable chassis height, increased travel speed and military-spec paint. Full delivery is required by November.

The win comes as European governments have stepped up spending on security and military infrastructure modernization. HD Construction Equipment said it expects the contract to open doors in Europe's broader defense and public procurement markets.

In a separate deal, the company signed a 20 billion won supply contract for articulated dump trucks with Rental Group, the largest construction equipment rental firm in the Nordic region.

BY LEE JAE-LIM [lee.jaelim@joongang.co.kr]