Due to the presence of its neighbors to the north, South Korea must constantly be prepared for the possibility of warfare. Kim Jung-un, the leader of North Korea, regularly feels the need to show that provocative actions could occur at any time, and South Korea has responded by creating a fierce military that uses updated vehicles and weapons. Among those is the K2 Black Panther main battle tank (MBT).
Design and development of the K2 Black Panther
As an ally to the United States and other NATO nations, South Korea long had access to M48 Pattons. The tanks, however, had become somewhat obsolete, with the US Army retiring them in 1987. In the early 2000s, South Korea decided it wanted to come up with a replacement for the M48, as well.
Between 2003-07, five different prototypes for a new tank were developed. The final one was successful and declared fit for production by the country’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA). Certain kinks had to be worked out regarding the engine and transmission, which delayed mass production of the vehicles.
Mass production of the K2 Black Panther
In 2013, mass production on the K2 Black Panther began, with German-manufactured MTU power plants used, due to the enduring issues regarding the reliability and durability of the tank’s transmission and engine. By 2014, the armored vehicles were ready for service and began showing up on battlefields.
In December 2014, South Korean company Hyundai Rotem took over the contract to build the K2. Production comes at a massive price, with each one costing $8.5 million. This makes the tank one of the most expensive currently in service.
Impressive defensive capabilities
As a more recently developed tank, the K2 Black Panther has some very impressive capabilities. It’s armed with a CN08 120 mm .55-caliber smoothbore gun, which can fire up to 10 rounds per minute. This is complemented by two machine guns, a 7.62 mm coaxial and a 12.7 mm K6.
The tank has an advanced fire-control system, as well as a laser range finder, which allows it to lock onto targets as far away as 6.1 miles. With this, it can take on enemies on the ground and low-flying aircraft. It features a steel shell that protects it from enemy fire and a radar system that can detect incoming missiles and fire grenades to disrupt the projectiles. The interior also has a pressure and air conditioning system that keeps those within safe from biological and chemical attacks.
Mobility of the K2 Black Panther
In addition to its defensive capabilities, the K2 Black Panther is also an impressive mover; the tank can travel at top speeds of between 43-44 MPH. Even while driving over rough terrain, it can reach up to 31 MPH. There’s also an innovative snorkel system, which allows it to cross rivers up to 4.1 meters deep.
The K2 features an in-arm suspension system, allowing it to “sit,” “stand,” “kneel” and “lean.” Those operating the tank can take advantage of these positions to fire munitions more accurately.
Use by other countries
South Korea isn’t the only one taking advantage of the capabilities of the K2 Black Panther. The country’s government has also made deals with other nations to provide them with the tanks. The first was struck with Turkey in 2007. Under the $540 million deal, the Turkish military received a license for the K2, along with the delivery of 40 KAI KT-1 Woongbi training aircraft. While Turkey is building K2s, the nation is importing parts from South Korea.
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Poland has also struck a deal to acquire K2s. In July 2022, the country announced it had agreed to purchase 180 of the tanks from South Korea. Delivery of the vehicles is expected to occur between 2023-25.