[Report] "K2 Tank with 1,500 Horsepower in Action... Inside the Production Powerhouse of K-Defense"

Second Contract Worth Nearly 9 Trillion Won Signed with Polish Armaments Agency
Demonstration of 1,500-Horsepower Engine, Reaching Speeds Up to 70 km/h

The Hyundai Rotem Defense Industry Plant 1 in Changwon, Gyeongnam, was filled with the clanging of metal and the sounds of welding on August 14. Upon entering the factory, five or six partially assembled tank turrets were lined up in a row. Some of the turrets were already equipped with barrels over five meters long, displaying their formidable presence. Workers were welding and assembling the interiors of the turrets directly from inside. Around the main gun, two or three technicians were also busy at work.

On the 14th, two K2 tanks were preparing for a demonstration at the Hyundai Rotem driving test site in Changwon, Gyeongnam. Hyundai Rotem

Unlike battery or automobile factories, conveyor belts or automated devices commonly found elsewhere were not visible in the defense plant. This is because most products are custom-made to meet client requirements. Of course, there were transport devices in place to move the massive turrets.

Although welding is still performed manually, large equipment that automatically flips heavy workpieces has been actively introduced to facilitate the process, significantly improving production speed. Thanks to this efficient line system, five K2 tanks arrived at their destination three months ahead of schedule in March 2023.

On one side of the assembly line, the Korean and Polish flags were displayed side by side. Since 2022, Hyundai Rotem has maintained close cooperation with Poland. On July 1 of last month, the company signed a second implementation contract for K2 tanks with the Polish Armaments Agency, valued at 8.9814 trillion won. Following the first contract to supply 180 urgently needed units, this subsequent contract includes local production and technology transfer.

Lee Jungyeop, Vice President and Head of the Defense Solution Business Division at Hyundai Rotem, stated, "The export of K2 tanks to Eastern Europe signifies the globalization of South Korea's defense science and technology. With unrivaled research and development (R&D) and quality, we will contribute to the national interest and realize our goal of becoming one of the world's top four defense exporters."

At Defense Plant 2 in Changwon, completed wheeled armored vehicles were waiting to be shipped. The vehicles come in various types, including those that can carry 11 infantry soldiers and amphibious command vehicles. Inside the command vehicle, there were seats and a table for about six people, as well as a screen for a beam projector. The vehicles are also equipped with a positive pressure system to block harmful air from entering from outside.

Hyundai Rotem also expressed confidence in expanding productivity. Han Sungwook, Executive Director and Head of the Defense Plant, explained, "Our automated line is more advanced than those of other companies, so our productivity is higher. While it takes a person 20 days to complete welding, a robot can finish the job eight days faster. Once this robot is developed and implemented, production efficiency will increase by 30% next year and by more than 70% the year after."

On the 14th, a K2 tank was rotating its chassis 360 degrees while keeping the barrel fixed at the Hyundai Rotem test track in Changwon, Gyeongnam. Even while the tank is moving, the barrel does not shake, allowing it to aim accurately at the target. Hyundai Rotem

After touring both plants, a demonstration was held with two K2 tanks speeding down the road. Equipped with a 1,500-horsepower engine, the tanks reached speeds of up to 70 km/h on paved roads and 50 km/h off-road. The demonstration also showcased the "pivot turn" function, which allows the tank to change direction in tight spaces, and the "attitude control" function, which adjusts the tank's posture on slopes. The tanks could raise their front ends to counter aerial attacks or lower their profile to about the height of a person's head. When the chassis rotated 360 degrees while the barrel remained fixed, the press expressed their amazement.

Choi Wooseok, Head of the Poland PM1 Team, said, "During the NATO joint exercise held in March last year, the K2 trained alongside world-class tanks such as the Leopard and Leclerc, and it was the only one that passed through difficult terrain without any issues. Its firing accuracy was also outstanding, not only at 3 km but even at 5 km, earning high praise from the Polish military."

The performance of the K2 tank has already been proven multiple times. The 120mm smoothbore gun mounted on the K2 is powerful enough to destroy most of the tanks currently possessed by North Korea. Additionally, the adoption of an automatic loading system reduces the crew to three, enabling perfect mission execution with fewer personnel and allowing for more efficient use of limited manpower resources. Another advantage is the ability to fire again within six seconds while on the move.

On the 14th, Lee Jungyeop, Vice President and Head of Defense Solution Business Division, gave an opening remark at a press conference held at Hyundai Rotem Changwon Plant in Changwon, Gyeongnam. Hyundai Rotem

Vice President Lee stated, "Hyundai Rotem is considering how to continue large-scale exports like the second K2 tank contract with Poland. We are focusing our R&D efforts on leading the future market, including the development of unmanned and manned hybrid tanks that require more intelligent and advanced combat equipment. Our goal is to rank fifth in the global ground weapon systems market by 2035, and we will continue to grow and develop toward that objective."