SEOUL - South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has set a target for the deployment of the indigenous K-2 Black Panther next-generation battle tank for year-end 2017.
The development of the K-2 design - also known as the Korea Next-Generation Main Battle Tank (KNMBT) - commenced in 2006, following a decade of research and development conducted by Hyundai Rotem. The initial prototype was rolled out in 2008.
The K-2, designed to replace the K-1 main battle tank currently in Republic of Korea (ROK) Army service, is outfitted with an indigenous engine and transmission and equipped with an auto-loaded 120mm cannon. The tank is capable of reaching speeds of up to 70 kilometers per hour (43 mph) and fording rivers with depths of 4.1 meters using a snorkel
Designed to be technologically superior to the rustic Soviet-legacy models forming strategic rival North Korea's tank inventory, the K-2 has faltered during the development stage, failing to meet the ROK Army's requirements as a result of faulty components. After repeated attempts fell short the ROK Joint Chiefs of Staff opted to lower the performance threshold in order to move forward on the project.
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