South Korea Unveils K2ME Tank to Meet Saudi Arabia and UAE’s Defense Needs
South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem has developed the K2ME, a variant of the K2 Black Panther main battle tank, tailored for the Middle Eastern market, particularly to meet the future defense needs of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The K2ME was first unveiled as a scale model at the IDEX 2023 defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and a full-scale version was showcased at IDEX 2025. South Korea has been in talks with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a potential deal involving the K2ME main battle tank. The negotiations reportedly included technology transfer to support local production and customization.
Initially, Hyundai Rotem planned to use a foreign-made power pack, but the company has since shifted its focus to integrating a domestically developed engine and transmission system. This move aims to enhance the K2ME’s export potential by reducing reliance on external suppliers. The K2ME is specifically designed for desert warfare, featuring advanced cooling systems, active protection, and high mobility. If finalized, the UAE deal could mark a significant step in South Korea’s growing defense exports.
South Korean defense companies Hyundai Rotem, SNT Dynamics, and HD Hyundai Infracore have teamed up to promote the K2ME main battle tank and other South Korean defense products in the Middle East market. This collaboration, called “Korea One Team,” aims to strengthen South Korea’s presence in the region by offering advanced military solutions. With Saudi Arabia and the UAE looking to replace their aging armored fleets, South Korea sees a major opportunity to supply next-generation tanks. Analysts estimate the tank procurement market in Saudi Arabia and the UAE to be worth approximately 18 trillion won (USD 12.42 billion), making it a key target for South Korean defense exports. In February 2025, SNT Dynamics secured a 133.7 billion won (USD 92.86 million) contract to supply K2 tanks with domestic power packs to the South Korean Army. Deliveries are set to begin in 2026. The integration of locally developed systems aims to reduce export restrictions and enhance logistical support for international buyers. This move strengthens South Korea’s defense industry and boosts the export potential of the K2 tank in global markets.
The K2ME main battle tank is armed with a 120-mm smoothbore gun featuring an automatic loading system capable of firing programmable ammunition. Its secondary weapons include a 12.7-mm remotely operated weapon station on the commander’s hatch and a 7.62-mm coaxial machine gun. For additional defense, the turret is equipped with multiple grenade launchers. The K2ME features enhanced cooling and filtration systems for high-temperature desert conditions to ensure reliable performance. It follows a modern tank layout, operating with a three-person crew: a driver at the front and a commander and gunner in the turret. The K2ME weighs approximately 60 tons and measures 10.9 meters long, 3.6 meters wide, and 2.5 meters high. It is powered by a 1,500-horsepower diesel engine from HD Hyundai Infracore, paired with a fully automatic transmission. The tank can reach a speed of 68 km/h on roads and 50 km/h on rough terrain. It also features an In-arm Suspension System (hydropneumatic) and a Dynamic Track Tension System, improving mobility across challenging landscapes.