South Korea initiates K2 tank upgrade

Hyundai Rotem's K2 MBT is displayed at IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi. (Janes/Christopher Petrov)

South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has initiated a project to enhance the performance of the Republic of Korea Army's (RoKA's) K2 main battle tank (MBT).

DAPA said on 11 August that the K2 upgrade project is intended to improve the platform's survivability and combat effectiveness against emerging anti-armour threats. It said the programme will run 2028-2046 and has an estimated budget of about KRW3.45 trillion (USD2.5 billion).

The upgraded K2 tanks are envisioned to be equipped with an active protection system (APS), a counter-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) electronic warfare system, and a remote weapon station (RWS).

DAPA said the enhancements are intended to improve the tank's ability to counter emerging battlefield threats, including anti-tank guided missiles, rocket-propelled grenades, and loitering munitions.

The K2, which entered RoKA service in 2014, is a 56-tonne MBT manufactured by Hyundai Rotem. According to Janes data, the RoK Army operates more than 200 of the type.

The platform is armed with a 120 mm L/55 smoothbore gun and is powered by a 1,500 hp engine that provides a maximum road speed of 70 km/h. The tank is also fitted with fire-control systems, adjustable hydro-pneumatic suspension, composite and reactive armour, and a soft-kill APS.

Hyundai Rotem had not responded to Janes queries at the time of publication.

For more, please see: Hyundai Rotem, Rafael sign deal to integrate Trophy APS on K2 tank