K2 Black Panther. Photo and video: Twitter @front_ukrainian
South Korean Tank K2 Tested for the First Time in Romania: Costs $8.5 Million and the Country Plans to Acquire 300 Units
The main battle tank (MBT) K2 Black Panther by Hyundai Rotem was tested for the first time at the Smârdan training ground in Romania. In mid-month, at the Smârdan Secondary Combat Training Center, demonstration shots of the advanced South Korean tank took place.
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Hyundai Rotem released a video of this demonstration, marking the debut of the K2 on Romanian soil. This third-generation tank, known for its high technology, has attracted significant interest both domestically and internationally.
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Last year, the National Defense Ministry of Romania initiated procedures to purchase 54 Abrams tanks through the “Main Battle Tank” program and the G2G (Government to Government) procedure. These tanks will include the modernized M1A2 variant and derivatives, along with ammunition and training reinforcements.
However, Romania plans to go beyond this initial acquisition. The goal is to acquire a total of 300 main battle tanks, including interest in the K2 Panther. In a statement published by DefenseRomania, Major General Teodor Incicaș, Head of the General Directorate of Armaments, stated in 2023: “We want to acquire new tanks, about 300 main battle tanks, but the acquisition period will have to be determined by the beneficiary.”
In addition to the K2 tanks, the partnership with Hyundai Rotem is expected to extend to negotiations on attack and defense missile systems, among other military technologies. The proposal from the South Korean company includes technology transfer and collaboration with the local industry, which could involve the partial involvement of the Romanian defense industry in production, maintenance, and service during the tanks’ lifecycle.
The K2 Black Panther is equipped with modular composite armor of undisclosed type and explosive reactive armor (ERA) blocks. Its frontal armor is capable of withstanding direct impacts from 120 mm projectiles fired by L55 cannons. On favorable terrain, the tank can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h. It also features an active protection system and countermeasures, in addition to an NBC protection system.
Armed with a “Rheinmetall” 120 mm/L55 smoothbore gun and an automatic loader for 40 shots, the tank also has two secondary machine guns, 12.7 mm and 7.62 mm. The crew of the K2 consists of three members.
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Photo and video: Twitter @front_ukrainian. This content was created with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
