Ukraine seeks South Korea's K2 Black Panther tanks to counter Russian armor

Ukraine is seeking to acquire South Korea’s K2 Black Panther tanks as part of its military requests during a visit to South Korea. The country is also looking for artillery radar systems, Cheongung-II air defence systems, K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers, and 155mm artillery shells, which are in short supply. The K2 Black Panther, a highly advanced tank, is considered a game-changer, especially when compared to Russia’s Soviet-era T-72, T-80, and T-90 tanks.

The K2 boasts several technological innovations that make it one of the most formidable tanks in modern warfare, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

It features advanced composite armor combining ceramics and metal alloys for superior protection against kinetic projectiles and shaped charges. Additionally, the tank is equipped with an active protection system (APS) called KAPS, which neutralizes incoming threats like anti-tank missiles and RPGs, providing enhanced survivability.

In terms of firepower, the K2 is armed with a 120mm smoothbore gun capable of firing various advanced munitions, including high-velocity penetrators and programmable shells. Its sophisticated fire control system integrates environmental data, allowing for highly accurate targeting, even on the move. The K2’s mobility is further enhanced by a hydropneumatic suspension system, offering better off-road performance and a smoother ride compared to older tanks like the T-72, which use a torsion bar system.

The K2 is also designed with crew survivability in mind, featuring an automated ammunition handling system that reduces the crew size to three members. This system minimizes the risks associated with handling ammunition under fire. The tank’s advanced battlefield management system ensures real-time situational awareness by integrating data from various sensors and other units in the field.

In contrast, Russia’s T-72, T-80, and T-90 tanks, though modernized, rely on older designs and lack the advanced protection, mobility, and fire control systems of the K2. The K2’s combination of firepower, mobility, survivability, and battlefield integration gives it a significant edge, making it a formidable opponent in modern armored warfare.

By Vafa Guliyeva