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K2 Black Panther Battle Tank

K2 Black Panther Battle Tank

Manufacturer: Hyundai Rotem
Category: Tanks & Armored Vehicles
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Main Gun Caliber 120 mm L/55 Smoothbore
Engine Power 1,500 hp
Maximum Speed 70 km/h
Armor Type Composite/Reactive Armor

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Vehicle Name	K2 Black Panther
Type / Role	Main Battle Tank (MBT)
Manufacturer	Hyundai Rotem
Country of Origin	South Korea
In Service	Yes
Year Introduced	2014
Unit Cost	USD 8.5–9.0 million
Crew	3 (Commander, Gunner, Driver)

2. Dimensions & Weight

Length (Gun Forward)	10.8 m
Width	3.6 m
Height	2.4 m
Weight	55 tons
Ground Clearance	0.45 m
Chassis Material	Composite Armor / Steel Base

3. Performance

Engine Type	MTU 883 Diesel / Doosan DV27K
Engine Power	1,500 hp
Power-to-Weight Ratio	27 hp/ton
Transmission	Automatic
Maximum Speed (Road)	70 km/h
Maximum Speed (Off-Road)	50 km/h
Operational Range	450 km
Suspension Type	In-arm Hydropneumatic (ISU)

4. Armament

Main Gun	120 mm L/55 Smoothbore (Auto-loader)
Ammunition Capacity	40 rounds
Secondary Armament	1 × 12.7mm K6 MG, 1 × 7.62mm MG
Gun Elevation/Depression	+20° / -10°
Fire Control System	Advanced Digital FCS w/ Radar
Stabilization	Dual-Axis
Rate of Fire	10–12 rounds per minute

5. Protection & Armor

Armor Type	Composite + Modular ERA
Reactive Armor	Yes (Modular)
Active Protection System (APS)	Soft-Kill & Hard-Kill APS
NBC Protection	Yes
Smoke Grenade Launchers	2 × 6-barrel launchers
Fire Suppression System	Automatic
Mine Protection	Reinforced Belly Armor

6. Mobility & Capability

Maximum Gradient	60%
Side Slope	30%
Trench Crossing	2.7 m
Vertical Obstacle	1.3 m
Fording Depth	1.2 m (4 m with snorkel)
Turning Radius	Neutral Turn
Amphibious Capability	Limited (Snorkel Kit)

7. Sensors & Electronics

Fire Control Computer	Yes
Thermal Imaging	Commander & Gunner
Night Vision	IR / NVG
Laser Rangefinder	Yes
Ballistic Computer	Yes
Communication System	Secure Tactical Radio
Battlefield Management System	Integrate

8. Operational Info

Service Branch	Republic of Korea Army
Primary Operator	South Korea, Poland (Export)
Combat Experience	Limited
Upgrade Packages	K2NO (Norwegian Spec), K2PL (Polish Spec)
Export Status	Active
Production Status	Ongoing

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Maintenance Efficiency 8 / 10
Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

Advanced hydropneumatic suspension for terrain adaptability
AI-assisted fire control and target acquisition
High mobility and power-to-weight ratio
Modular composite armor and active protection system
NATO ammunition compatibility

CONS

High production and maintenance cost
Limited combat experience compared to Western MBTs
Dependence on advanced electronics may affect field reliability
Complex logistics for foreign operators
Export versions may differ in performance

K2 Black Panther: South Korea’s Next-Gen Main Battle Tank

The K2 Black Panther, developed by Hyundai Rotem for the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA), represents one of the most advanced main battle tanks (MBTs) in the world. Designed to replace the aging K1 and M48 series, it combines South Korea’s indigenous defense innovation with NATO-standard interoperability—positioning it among the most formidable armored vehicles of the 21st century.

Innovation and Combat Readiness

Introduced in 2014, the K2 has quickly gained international attention for its balance of firepower, mobility, and protection. A notable success story is its export to Poland, marking one of South Korea’s largest defense deals in Europe—underscoring the tank’s proven reliability and adaptability to Western systems.

Powered by a 1,500 hp diesel engine, the K2 can reach speeds up to 70 km/h on roads and 50 km/h off-road, supported by a hydropneumatic suspension that allows the vehicle to “kneel” or tilt for better firing angles on uneven terrain. Its 120mm L/55 smoothbore gun, compatible with NATO-standard ammunition, can automatically load and fire advanced KSTAM-II top-attack munitions, giving it long-range lethality even in defensive posture.

Advanced AI-assisted fire control, radar-linked targeting, and composite armor with active protection systems provide the K2 a technological edge, ensuring high survivability against both kinetic and guided threats.

K2 Black Panther Price in US

While the K2 Black Panther is primarily built for South Korea, its estimated unit cost ranges between USD 8.5–9 million, comparable to Western MBTs like the Leopard 2A7. For export variants, pricing varies based on localized production and included technology packages.

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