Hyundai Rotem completes production of latest batches of K1A2 and K2 MBTs

South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has announced that local firm Hyundai Rotem has completed production of its latest batches of the K1A2 and K2 Black Panther main battle tanks (MBTs).

According to DAPA, the third batch of the mass-produced K1A2s offers “improved performance” over the K1A1 MBT, enabling interlinked Republic of Korea Army (RoKA) operations with the K2 MBTs and K21 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). Other enhancements include the integration of a digital battlefield management system, an identification system, and front and back cameras, among others.

DAPA also said that a new digital system integrated onto the latest batch has replaced a previous analogue equipment. The third-batch K1A2s also feature GPS-based satellite navigation systems to enable real-time information sharing and accurate battlefield identification, said DAPA. It added that Hyundai Rotem’s production of the K1A2 is expected to end in 2023.

The K1A2 is an upgraded variant of the K1A1 MBT.