K2 Black Panther
Country of origin
Korea, Rep.
Korea, Rep.
ManufacturerHyundai Rotem
K2 Black Panther (Korean: K-2 흑표; Hanja: K-2 黑豹; RR: K-2 Heukpyo) is a South Korean fourth-generation main battle tank (MBT), designed by the Agency for Defense Development and manufactured by Hyundai Rotem. The tank's design began in the 1990s to meet the strategic requirements of the Republic of Korea Army's reform for three-dimensional, high-speed maneuver warfare based on use of network-centric warfare.
Over its predecessor, the K1, the K2 features improved protection, mobility, firepower, increased indigenous production, and crew operability. The focus of the design places emphasis on lower weight, higher mobility and increased modularity. The K2 Black Panther also acquired several modern features such as extensive integration of Vetronics, advanced sensors, space optimization, and increased automation.
Development of the K2 entered System Concept Research phase in 1995, Exploratory development from 1998 to 2002, and started Full Scale Development in June 2003. Development of the vehicle excluding the powerpack concluded in 2008, following trials by the army. Work on the domestic powerpack kept the tanks from entering service until in 2012, when 100 EuroPowerPacks were implemented...
Over its predecessor, the K1, the K2 features improved protection, mobility, firepower, increased indigenous production, and crew operability. The focus of the design places emphasis on lower weight, higher mobility and increased modularity. The K2 Black Panther also acquired several modern features such as extensive integration of Vetronics, advanced sensors, space optimization, and increased automation.
Development of the K2 entered System Concept Research phase in 1995, Exploratory development from 1998 to 2002, and started Full Scale Development in June 2003. Development of the vehicle excluding the powerpack concluded in 2008, following trials by the army. Work on the domestic powerpack kept the tanks from entering service until in 2012, when 100 EuroPowerPacks were implemented...
