South Korea approves $2.4 bln K2 tank upgrade against drone threats
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South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration announced on August 13, 2026 a 3.4 trillion won ($2.4 billion) program to equip K2 Black Panther tanks with active protection, electronic jammers, and remote weapon stations. The modernization is expected to begin in 2028, with the first upgraded K2 tanks entering South Korean Army service from 2033.
Active Protection Core
The program centers on integrating a hard-kill active protection system that combines distributed sensors and countermeasure launchers to intercept incoming anti-tank guided missiles before impact. South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration said the system is also intended to contribute to defense against certain unmanned aerial threats. Hyundai Rotem already offers K2 configurations compatible with soft-kill or hard-kill protection systems. The 3.4 trillion won ($2.4 billion) upgrade moves the tank from passive composite and reactive armor toward engagement before contact.
Electronic Warfare Layer
Alongside the active protection system, DAPA will integrate electronic jammers and remotely operated weapon stations. Jammers target radio-frequency command and video links used by certain FPV drones, though they are less effective against autonomous platforms or resilient data links. Remote weapon stations allow crews to engage low-flying aerial targets and exposed personnel while remaining under armor. Modernization is expected to begin in 2028, with first upgraded K2 tanks entering South Korean Army service from 2033.
K2 Platform Baseline
Hyundai Rotem’s K2 has a combat weight of about 56 tonnes and is powered by a 1,500 hp diesel engine, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of roughly 27.3 hp per tonne. Maximum road speed is 70 km/h, with a range of approximately 450 km. The tank already uses a layered protection arrangement combining composite armor and reactive elements. The announced upgrade builds on that baseline rather than replacing the platform.
What's Next
South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration is expected to finalize contractor arrangements before modernization begins in 2028. It remains unclear how the electronic warfare and active protection components will perform against autonomous drones or more resilient data links.
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South Korea approves $2.4 bln K2 tank upgrade against drone threats
