South Korea is strengthening its land and maritime strike capabilities through major investments in K2 tank modernization and the development of a longer-range anti-ship missile. The country plans to spend 3.43 trillion won ($2.43 billion) between 2028 and 2046 to upgrade its K2 main battle tanks with active protection systems, counter-drone and IED jammers, and remote-controlled weapon stations. The program reflects growing concerns about battlefield threats such as suicide drones, particularly those capable of attacking armored vehicles from above. North Korea’s development of the Chonma-20 tank, reportedly equipped with an active protection system, is another factor shaping Seoul’s modernization efforts. At the same time, South Korea will invest 1.63 trillion won ($1.15 billion) through 2039 to develop the Haeseong-II guided anti-ship missile. With an anticipated range in the mid-300-kilometer class, the weapon would significantly exceed the 150–180-kilometer range of the existing Haeseong system, giving South Korean naval forces a broader maritime engagement capability.
