[Military Story] What Is the Next-Generation Tank Developed by Our Military?

Hyundai Rotem Develops Next-Generation Tank
Features Stealth Capability, 130mm Main Gun, Drone, and Unmanned Turret

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] There are growing concerns about the urgent need for the Army's next-generation tank development. Although the K2 ‘Heukpyo’ tank possessed by the Army is a key contributor to K-defense exports, it is difficult to compete with the next-generation tanks currently being developed by advanced countries.

Domestic defense company Hyundai Rotem is researching and developing a next-generation tank. It began to be publicly known last year when a CG video of the next-generation tank was unveiled at a domestic defense exhibition. The most notable features of the domestically produced next-generation tank are stealth capabilities, a 130mm main gun, drones, and an unmanned turret. Development is targeted for 2030. Military authorities are reportedly planning to introduce the next-generation tank to replace the K2 tank after 2035. Stealth capabilities have already been a development goal in advanced countries. Polish defense company Obrum and British BAE Systems jointly developed the stealth tank PL-01 in 2013 and revealed it. However, only a prototype was produced, and development has since been halted.

The next-generation tank will also be equipped with small tactical drones. These drones can be deployed to scout enemy territory and, if necessary, carry out suicide attacks. Rheinmetall’s KF51 is armed with four Hero-120 loitering munitions from Israeli company UVision. Because of this, the next-generation tank, like the K2, requires a crew of three (commander, driver, gunner), but there is a high possibility that a drone operator will be added. However, the next-generation tank may be equipped with AI technology, allowing a manned tank to lead multiple unmanned tanks.

It is also armed with an unmanned turret and a Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS). The unmanned turret operates shells, an automatic loading system, and firing mechanisms without crew members. Russia’s latest T14 Armata tank and the U.S. GDLS’s next-generation AbramsX tank have already showcased this technology. The AbramsX is equipped with a 30mm chain gun comparable to an attack helicopter’s cannon, a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun, and anti-tank guided missiles. Our military plans to equip newly developed electric chemical guns and laser guns once development is completed.

Regarding the main gun, it will be larger than the current 120mm gun on the K2 tank, featuring a 130mm cannon. When the caliber of a tank’s main gun exceeds 120mm, an automatic loading system becomes essential due to the length and weight of the ammunition. Installing an automatic loader not only secures internal space but also lowers the vehicle’s height, reducing weight. The engine will also change. Instead of the existing diesel or hybrid systems, the use of hydrogen fuel cells and other methods is being pursued. The new engine can extend operational range while reducing fuel consumption. When using a hybrid powertrain, the operational range can reach up to 500 km.