South Korea has begun exporting a domestically developed engine for its K2 Black Panther main battle tank, marking a major milestone in the country’s defense industrial independence. The move ends decades of reliance on German-made powerplants, which previously required Berlin’s approval for any overseas sale of the K2 tank. With the new engine cleared for export, Seoul now has full authority over international K2 tank deliveries.
The engine, designated DV27K, is a 1,500-horsepower diesel powerpack jointly developed by the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and HD Hyundai Construction Equipment. It replaces the German MTU MB873 engine, removing export restrictions that had complicated K2 sales in the past. This breakthrough enables South Korea to market the K2 more freely to foreign customers without third-party clearance.
Export momentum is already building. HD Hyundai has secured contracts to supply 116 DV27K engines for Poland’s second batch of K2 tanks and has also been selected as the sole engine supplier for Turkey’s next-generation Altay main battle tank. Defense officials have also reported growing interest from potential buyers in Latin America and the Middle East, signaling expanding global demand for Korean armored platforms.
The DV27K’s development faced significant technical hurdles, with early models struggling to maintain sustained power and withstand shock, vibration, and extreme temperature conditions. Engineers conducted extensive redesigns, endurance trials, and environmental testing, resulting in an engine capable of operating reliably in desert heat, extreme cold, and high-vibration combat environments. The engine enables the 56-ton K2 to reach speeds of up to 70 km/h, enhancing battlefield mobility.
The K2 Black Panther, South Korea’s most advanced main battle tank, combines high mobility with advanced firepower and protection. Operated by a three-person crew, it is armed with a 120 mm smoothbore gun with an automatic loader, supported by coaxial and roof-mounted machine guns. Its advanced fire control system—featuring radar, laser rangefinders, and thermal sights—allows accurate target engagement on the move, while integrated networking and navigation systems enhance battlefield situational awareness.
