Hyundai Rotem unveiled for the first time the actual Middle East variant of the K2 tank (K2ME), which is under modification and development.
Hyundai Rotem said on the 27th that it held a "Middle East K2 tank (K2ME) rollout ceremony" at its Changwon plant in Changwon Special City, South Gyeongsang, on the 26th and, together with partners, showcased the actual platform of the Middle East K2 tank that is under modification and development.
The event was attended by members of the National Assembly and local governments, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, the Korea Research Institute for defense Technology planning and advancement (KRIT), and military attaché offices from major Middle Eastern countries, as well as domestic and international political, governmental, and business figures, partners, and Hyundai Rotem executives and employees.
The event was made possible after an amendment to the Defense Acquisition Act, which says "defense companies may produce or possess defense materials on their own for research and development (R&D) or promotional purposes with the approval of the head of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration," passed the National Assembly in Jul. last year.
Hyundai Rotem is accelerating research and development (R&D) with partners to further raise the approximately 90% localization rate of K2 tank parts. In the past, the use of some foreign-made parts restricted exports to certain regions, including the Middle East, but now the plan is to secure diverse export bases through parts localization and support partners' technological self-reliance. Export performance will be shared with partners.
The Middle East K2 tank, which will see performance improvements along with a higher localization rate, is a ground weapons systems modification and development project led by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration and managed by KRIT, and has been under modification and development with partners since 2024. Taking into account the region's high temperatures, it is an export model capable of stable mission performance even in heat waves reaching up to 50 degrees Celsius.
Performance-improved components newly added to the Middle East K2 tank were also displayed at the event. The domestically produced power pack, applied for the first time to an export model, is equipped with a heat radiator with enhanced cooling performance and a cooling housing that draws in outside air to maintain the function of the engine coolant. The turret includes a turret auxiliary air-conditioning unit that supplies cool air inside to maintain the function of electronic equipment and provide a comfortable ride environment for the crew.
A hydraulic oil cooling system with increased cooling capacity is also installed on the Middle East K2 tank. This system helps the in-arm suspension unit (ISU), which plays a key role in smooth driving and attitude control of the tank, operate smoothly even at high temperatures. The newly developed flexible-material fuel tank not only offers high elasticity and anti-vibration performance suitable for sandy desert terrain but also has a larger capacity. Various electronic components, including a gunner's auxiliary sight specialized for high-temperature environments, have already been developed.
Hyundai Rotem CEO Lee Yong-bae said, "In a situation where the global security environment is changing rapidly, the research and development achievements pursued with the goal of exporting to the Middle East will help further strengthen the global competitiveness of K-defense," adding, "We will continue to work closely with the government, the military, and partner corporations to help enhance the competitiveness of Korea's defense industry."