K2 Main Battle Tank (Image courtesy of Hyundai Rotem)
CHANGWON, Aug. 21 (Korea Bizwire) — At Hyundai Rotem’s test track in the southern city of Changwon last week, two K2 Black Panther tanks roared to life, spinning on the spot like soldiers in drill formation before surging down a straightaway at speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour on paved roads.
The demonstration came on the heels of a landmark contract with Poland. On August 1, Hyundai Rotem signed a $6.5 billion deal with Warsaw’s Armament Agency to supply K2 tanks, marking South Korea’s largest-ever single defense export and the second such contract since 2022. Together, the agreements position Poland as a hub for K2 production and deployment in Europe.
Executives emphasized the K2’s mobility as its key advantage. At 56 tons for the Korean version and 60 tons for the Polish variant, the tanks are significantly lighter than Western counterparts such as Germany’s Leopard or the U.S. Abrams, without sacrificing firepower or protection. Hyundai Rotem officials said the K2 excelled in NATO training last year, tackling terrain that left rival tanks struggling.
Beyond mobility, the K2 has drawn praise for its digital and automated systems, high firing accuracy, and strong in-service support, which has delivered an operational rate above 95 percent. The tank features an autoloader, allowing a three-person crew instead of four, and real-time diagnostics for rapid maintenance.
Looking ahead, Hyundai Rotem aims to leverage its K2 exports to expand into new markets, including Romania and the Middle East, with the goal of ranking among the world’s top five ground weapons manufacturers by 2035. “Based on the K2PL model, we see significant opportunities in Europe and beyond,” said Lee Jeong-yeop, head of the company’s defense solutions division.
The long-term strategy includes further localization in Poland, where up to 640 tanks remain under a broader framework agreement. Contracts for additional batches are expected to be signed in stages through 2027 and beyond.
Hyundai Rotem is also investing in future combat systems, including AI-enabled target detection, autonomous navigation, and unmanned-vehicle integration. Plans are underway for next-generation wheeled armored vehicles and hybrid manned-unmanned platforms.
“With over 50 years of accumulated technology, we intend not only to expand K2 exports but also to lead in developing unmanned and AI-powered ground systems,” Lee said. “By 2035, we aim to stand among the top five global players in land defense.”
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
