The K2 Black Panther is a modern 3rd generation South Korean main battle tank manufactured by Hyundai Rotem. The first prototypes of the vehicle were made in 2004, and serial production started in 2013 continues to this day. The exact number of tanks produced is unknown. Estimates are about 100 tanks of this type in the line. The K2 is powered by the 1500hp MTU MT 883 engine. The vehicle is armed with a single 120mm tank gun, 1 7.62mm machine gun and 1 12.7mm machine gun.
Despite the fact that the modern K1 tank was introduced to the line in the early 1990s, the command of the South Korean army decided to develop a new tank that would complement, and eventually probably a successor to, the K1 vehicle. It was also decided to rely on the domestic arms industry as much as possible and use the help of foreign companies only as a last resort. What's more - the most advanced technology was chosen. As a result, the K2 tank has a very modern SKO (fire control system), an effective 120mm gun, very high mobility and maneuverability, and powerful armor that is a rare combination of composite and reactive armor of the ERA and NERA type. Undoubtedly, the K2 is a machine at least comparable to the western 3rd generation fronts, such as the Leopard 2 or the M1 Abrams. Contrary to them, however, like the French Leclerc, it uses an autoloader, which significantly increases the rate of fire and allowed to reduce the crew to 3 people. Due to the technological advancement, the unit cost of the K2 tank is estimated at approx. 8.5 million. dollars by 2014 prices. At the moment, K2 is not exported.