Romania is mentioned as the next destination for Hyundai Rotem ahead of the contract signing for the second export of K2 tanks worth about 9 trillion won ($6.7 billion) with the Polish government. Due to a change in power in Romania, the introduction of tanks has been delayed; however, Hyundai Rotem continues to maintain contact with Romania to keep the flame alive.
According to the defense industry and foreign media on the 29th, the Romanian government has not yet announced the replacement of aging tanks as part of its military modernization project. Earlier, Romania announced its military modernization project in 2022, stating it would introduce 300 new tanks.
Romania is still operating over 160 T-55 tanks, developed in 1958 and used during the Soviet era. Among the countries belonging to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Romania is the only country still operating this tank.
Later, in November 2023, Romania introduced 54 U.S. Abrams tanks. Hyundai Rotem was evaluated to have gained an advantageous position in competition with Germany's Leopard regarding the remaining quantities. Hyundai Rotem also conducted live-fire training with K2 tanks in Romania last year.
However, Romania's political situation has put a damper on things. After the new government came to power following the presidential election in May, the Romanian parliament even cut the budget for the replacement of old tanks.
A defense industry official noted, "There is intense opposition between the ruling and opposition parties in Romania regarding the introduction of arms, so we need to monitor the situation closely."
Hyundai Rotem and our military authorities are keeping a close eye on the Romanian government's budget formulation trends. A military official stated, "Currently, we are observing the situation in Romania, and the atmosphere may change when Romania's new budget is being formulated."
Hyundai Rotem is continuing negotiations with Romania from a long-term perspective. It is reported that they are consistently meeting with Romanian officials and highlighting the advantages of Korean defense, such as local production and quick delivery.
A Hyundai Rotem official said, "I feel like we are starting from zero again and are conducting local promotional activities."
Although the tank introduction plan is on hold, the Romanian government is continuing other projects for military modernization. On the 10th, the Romanian government finalized the plan to introduce new infantry fighting vehicles. The infantry fighting vehicle project involves introducing five types over eight years, including standard infantry fighting vehicles, command and control vehicles, and vehicles equipped with 120mm mortars.
The number of infantry fighting vehicles to be introduced totals 246, with a goal of signing a contract this year. Currently, Hanwha Aerospace is participating in the bidding with its Redback armored vehicle. Romania is a country that introduced the K9 self-propelled howitzer from Hanwha, which is also constructing a self-propelled howitzer factory locally in Romania.
Interest in the K2 tanks in Romania still appears significant. Romanian defense media Defense Romania reported on the 18th that Romanian soldiers participated in a four-week K9 and K2 tank training in South Korea, stating, "The K2 tank perfectly fits the Romanian military."