K3 Main Battle Tank

Manufacturer: Hyundai Rotem
Category: Tanks & Armored Vehicles
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Main Gun Caliber 130–140 mm (projected)
Engine Power 1,500–1,800 hp
Maximum Speed ~70 km/h (projected)
Armor Type + Active Protection System

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Vehicle Name	K3 Main Battle Tank
Type / Role	Next-Generation MBT
Manufacturer	Hyundai Rotem
Country of Origin	South Korea
In Service	Development Phase
Year Introduced	Mid-2020s (Prototype)
Unit Cost	TBD
Crew	3 (Commander, Gunner, Driver)

2. Dimensions & Weight

Length (Gun Forward)	~10.0 m
Width	~3.8 m
Height	~2.5 m
Weight	55–60 tons (estimat
Ground Clearance	0.45 m
Chassis Material	Composite / Modular Armor

3. Performance

Engine Type	High-Output Diesel
Engine Power	1,500–1,800 hp
Power-to-Weight Ratio	~27–30 hp/ton
Transmission	Automatic Digital
Maximum Speed (Road)	~70 km/h
Maximum Speed (Off-Road)	~45 km/h
Operational Range	~450 km
Suspension Type	Hydropneumatic

4. Armament

Main Gun	130–140 mm Smoothbore
Ammunition Capacity	30–36 rounds (est.)
Secondary Armament	RWS + Coax MG
Gun Elevation/Depression	+20° / -9°
Fire Control System	AI-Enhanced Digital FCS
Stabilization	Advanced Dual-Axis
Rate of Fire	10–12 rpm (autoloader)

5. Protection & Armor

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

6. Mobility & Capability

Maximum Gradient	60%
Side Slope	40%
Trench Crossing	~3.0 m
Vertical Obstacle	~1.1 m
Fording Depth	1.2 m (2 m w/ kit)
Turning Radius	Neutral Turn
Amphibious Capability	Optional Kit

7. Sensors & Electronics

Fire Control Computer	Yes
Thermal Imaging	360° Syst
Night Vision	IR / Low-Light
Laser Rangefinder	Yes
Ballistic Computer	Yes
Communication System	Secure Digit
Battlefield Management System	Integrated

8. Operational Info

Service Branch	ROK Army (fut
Primary Operator	South Korea
Combat Experience	None (development)
Upgrade Packages	Modular Architecture
Export Status	Expected
Production Status	Pre-production

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

8.3

Maintenance Efficiency 9 / 10
Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Reliability & Maintenance 8 / 10

PROS

Advanced gun caliber offering higher lethality
AI-enabled fire control and sensor fusion
Strong armor with APS for modern survivability
High power-to-weight ratio for superior mobility
Modular design for long-term upgrade flexibility

CONS

Expected high procurement and maintenance cost
Technology complexity may affect early reliability
Heavy weight limits some bridge and terrain access
Large caliber ammunition reduces onboard capacity
APS maintenance requirements increase logistics load

K3 Next-Generation Main Battle Tank

The K3 Main Battle Tank represents South Korea’s next major leap in armored warfare, designed to succeed the K2 Black Panther and deliver a decisive edge on future high-intensity battlefields. Developed by Hyundai Rotem, the K3 incorporates advanced technologies inspired by global sixth-generation armored concepts, integrating enhanced mobility, superior firepower, and AI-driven situational awareness.

Created to address emerging threats such as drone swarms, top-attack munitions, and network-centric warfare, the K3 is built around a modular open-architecture system that supports rapid upgrades over its service life. Its mission is to operate as the centerpiece of combined-arms maneuver forces, capable of leading mechanized assaults while providing overmatch against peer-level adversaries.

The K3 is expected to mount a 130 mm or 140 mm next-generation smoothbore cannon, offering significantly greater kinetic energy than current 120 mm systems. Enhanced autoloader technology enables a higher rate of fire and reduces crew workload. Secondary armament includes a coaxial machine gun and a remotely operated weapon station for counter-UAV and close-range defense.

Powered by a 1,500–1,800 hp high-output diesel engine, the K3 aims to improve both acceleration and sustained high-speed maneuvering, even across challenging terrain. Its digital transmission and adaptive suspension support superior ride stability, increasing accuracy while firing on the move.

Protection focuses on survivability against modern anti-armor threats. The K3 combines next-generation composite armor, active protection systems (APS), and top-attack defeat mechanisms. A layered defense suite—featuring hard-kill interceptors and soft-kill jamming—provides robust resilience against guided missiles and precision munitions.

Internally, the K3 leverages AI-assisted fire control, sensor fusion, 360° thermal imaging, and battlefield networking, giving the crew improved targeting speed and enhanced situational awareness in day or night operations.

Designed for export as well as Republic of Korea Army modernization, the K3 positions itself as one of the most advanced MBTs entering development in the mid-2020s.

FAQs – K3 Main Battle Tank

What is the third-generation main battle tank?

Third-generation main battle tanks are armored vehicles developed primarily from the late Cold War era onward. They typically feature thermal imaging sights, computerized fire-control systems, 120 mm smoothbore guns, composite armor, and enhanced mobility. Examples include the M1A1 Abrams, Leopard 2A4, Challenger 1, and T-80U. These tanks prioritize high first-round hit probability, night-fighting capability, and strong survivability.

What are the features of the K3 tank stealth?

The K3 tank, still under development, is expected to incorporate reduced-signature technologies, though not full “stealth” like aircraft. Projected stealth-related features include:
Infrared signature reduction through heat-shielded exhaust systems
Low-observable turret shaping to deflect radar and laser detection
Thermal masking panels to dampen heat signatures
Acoustic dampening to reduce engine and track noise
Electronic countermeasures to disrupt targeting systems
These features are designed to decrease detection range and improve survivability against modern sensors and guided weapons.

What is South Korea’s main battle tank?

South Korea’s current main battle tank is the K2 Black Panther, produced by Hyundai Rotem. It is one of the most advanced operational MBTs in the world, featuring a 120 mm smoothbore gun, advanced suspension, composite armor, and a sophisticated fire-control suite. The K3 is intended to be the next-generation successor but is still in development.

What is considered the best main battle tank?

There is no universally agreed “best” tank, as performance depends on doctrine, environment, and mission profile. However, tanks frequently cited among the top include:
M1A2 SEP v3 Abrams (U.S.)
K2 Black Panther (South Korea)
Leopard 2A7+ (Germany)
Challenger 3 (UK, upcoming)
Leclerc XLR (France)
These MBTs are known for advanced fire control, strong armor protection, and modern digital systems.

What is the K3 tank price?

Since the K3 is still in development and has not reached production, no official price has been released. However, defense analysts estimate that a next-generation MBT of this class—featuring a 130–140 mm gun, advanced sensors, and APS—could cost USD $12–16 million per unit, depending on configuration, export packages, and production scale.

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