Korea explained why they want to "simplify" the K2 "Black Panther" tank

The South Korean K2 tank, which is called the "Black Panther", reportedly decided to "simplify". The reasons for the possible simplification of the design are explained.

The main reason is that the latest instances of this tank received a large number of electronic components, including automation, and the Korean combat vehicle eventually became the most expensive tank in the world. At the same time, the tank cannot be called the most modern and superior foreign (including Russian) counterparts.

Korean military experts note that the price problem especially made itself felt during the crisis (2020), when the Korean won rose against the dollar since the beginning of the year. This dealt a significant blow to increasing the export potential of the Black Panther.

Today the price of the K2 Black Panther tank is about $ 8,8 million. Growth over the past year amounted to about $ 300 per unit, practically unchanged in won. Thus, there were virtually no changes for the domestic market. But for the international market, the "Black Panther", which was already the most expensive tank in the world, has lost its relevance even more.

The reason is that the K2 Black Panther is a logistically difficult tank. It is difficult to maintain due to the fact that it is assembled from components produced in different countries. For example, his cannon is the brainchild of the German Rheinmetall.

It turns out that with the potential purchase of such a tank, you will also have to take into account the possibility of "sanctions delights" on the part of NATO, which includes Germany. And there, as you know, the United States is in charge, so it can apply a package of sanctions against both the buyer and the seller, if they consider the deal to be out of step with the national interests of the States. An example is overseas companies that supplied components for the Turkish Bayraktar, now forced to suspend the implementation of contracts with Ankara.

In connection with such a situation, which was especially active in the current year, Korea decided to think about a “simplified” version of K2, which would receive at least some export potential.

Comments

[Constanty]

The K2 Black Panther is a logistically difficult tank. It is difficult to maintain due to the fact that it is assembled from components produced in different countries. For example, his cannon is the brainchild of the German Rheinmetall.

Yes - the gun in the K2 tank is the brainchild of "Rheinmetall", which, however, does not mean that it was produced abroad -

from components produced in different countries

.

Export potential? - significant - the front part is offered to NATO countries - for example, Poland, its technologies are used by the Turks in the Altai tank.

Although there were problems with the engine, the Turks equipped the Altaya with a Korean version of the Rh 120 gun.

It is also not very realistic that the Germans will block the sale of this tank (with a licensing department) to Poland.

Therefore, this is not a problem - the problem is in the price, but since the new western tanks are not much cheaper (apart from the fact that they are practically nonexistent - the Leopard 2 are currently not produced, the Leclerc is similar, and the Japanese Type 10 is similar) in my opinion. policy can be critical, and countries interested in buying new tanks may be forced to buy, for example, used Abrams without applying export restrictions to licensed components.

[Boris Chernikov]

everything is more banal..the price and complexity of maintenance..this is not abrams and t-90 tested in battles

[Constanty]

There are not so many T-90s that have been tested in battles - there is no newer and definitely better T-90M Breakthrough (like the K-2).

replacing imported parts should not lead to lower prices - especially in the short term - Russia should be well aware of this with the example of gas turbines for ships and helicopters - for example. Therefore, I see the main obstacles in the export of these tanks not in imported foreign cars and not even in the price - their simplification may more indicate excessive complexity, delicacy and unreliability in real operation.

[Boris Chernikov]

When buying military equipment, they look at three indicators: combat capabilities, reliability and price ... the combat capabilities there are at the level of competitors ... the reliability is doubtful, the price is high ...

[Mountain shooter]

Previously "Leclerc" was the most expensive tank ... Now the Koreans have taken away the "palm" (doubtful, I think) ... The question remains - why. A tank is a consumable item. They are used in battle ...
And it also needs to be repaired, collecting components around the world ...

[Lionnvrsk]

Quote: Mountain Shooter

The question remains - why. A tank is a consumable item.

That is why we started thinking. We looked at Azerbaijani films and combed turnips.

[novel66]

The "simplified" version K2

there is a good option

[faiver]

this option is clearly not feng shui now

[Thrall]

Korelians let the Android version roll back to the previous one on their tank - so the gadget will become cheaper, and it will work more stable

[Boris Chernikov]

especially that some Koreans have bad memories of a tank with such a silhouette ...

[EnGenius]

This is an option on the other side of the border near the DPRK

[polar fox]

RENAULT to help them ... remove the cover of the glove compartment with a sun visor, and it will already be budgetary ...

[Petro_tut]

I think that Rosoboronexport will not mind supplying tank guns to the Koreans

[Zaurbek]

The Koreans themselves will deliver steel products to whomever you want ..... ROE is better to set up metal rolling, from which bodies for dump trucks and arrows for truck cranes are made ...... otherwise all this is imported.

[Alexey-74]

The tank is probably good from a technological point of view, but it did not participate in hostilities, it is not clear how the defense will work and how the armor holds, there are many different factors, our tanks, especially the T-90, showed themselves well in Syria. The Black Panther is definitely an expensive tank for war. Although Russia in theory has an "Armata", this is another story.