South Korea has announced plans to modernize its K2 Black Panther main battle tanks to increase their resilience against unmanned aerial vehicles and anti-tank missiles…
The $2.4 billion modernization program will integrate active protection systems, electronic jammers, and remote weapon stations into the K2 fleet.
The initiative is scheduled to begin in 2028, with the first upgraded K2 tanks expected to enter service with the Republic of Korea Army in 2033.
Backed by a 3.4 trillion won ($2.4 billion) budget, the program will establish a layered protection architecture combining active interception, electronic warfare, and remote weapon systems to counter FPV drones, loitering munitions, and precision-guided anti-tank weapons.
The K2 Black Panther is a main battle tank with a combat weight of approximately 56 tons, combining high mobility with advanced fire control capabilities.
Powered by a 1,500-horsepower diesel engine, the platform maintains a power-to-weight ratio of approximately 27.3 hp/ton, a top road speed of 70 km/h, and an operational range of about 450 kilometers.
The tank is armed with a 120 mm L/55 smoothbore gun equipped with an autoloader and capable of carrying 40 rounds of 120 mm ammunition.
Advanced thermal sights, a laser rangefinder, automatic target tracking, and hunter-killer capabilities further enhance the K2’s target acquisition and engagement capabilities…