The South Korean army has announced that it has deployed its K2 tanks and K9 self-propelled howitzers for joint overseas operations for the first time in history training The maneuvers, taking place at the Al-Kalael Training Center in Qatar, reflect South Korea's growing commitment to strengthening international military cooperation, particularly in the Middle East.
A contingent of about 100 South Korean soldiers, along with four K2 tanks and four K9 self-propelled howitzers, traveled to Qatar aboard a South Korean Navy amphibious assault ship. After traveling more than 12,000 kilometers, the ship docked in the port of Doha on October 13, marking the start of an intensive joint training program with the Qatari armed forces.
K2 Black Panther and K9 Thunder are key assets of South Korea's defense industry, combining advanced technology and operational capabilities. The K2, developed by Hyundai Rotem, is a next-generation main battle tank designed to replace the aging M48 Patton tanks in service with the South Korean Army.
Equipped with a 120 mm gun and an automatic loading system, it can fire while moving over difficult terrain. It also has an improved suspension system, an active protection system with dynamic armor units, and a missile defense system that improves its overall protection. Thanks to its 1500 horsepower diesel engine, the K2 reaches a maximum speed of 70 km/h and can overcome steep obstacles in a variety of conditions.
The K9 Thunder, developed by Hanwha Land Systems, is a 155 mm self-propelled howitzer that provides mobility and firepower. Its 155mm/52 caliber gun has a maximum range of 40 km and a rate of fire of 6 rounds per minute.
The K9's welded steel armor protects against small arms fire and artillery shrapnel. Powered by a 1,000 horsepower diesel engine, the K9 reaches speeds of up to 67 km/h and is used in several countries, including Finland, India and Poland. These two machines highlight South Korea's ability to supply modern, reliable defense systems to the international market.
200% Deposit Bonus up to €3,000 180% First Deposit Bonus up to $20,000In terms of production, the K2 Black Panther and K9 Thunder are the flagship products of South Korea's defense industry, widely distributed around the world. K2 is in service with the South Korean army, its variants are exported to Poland to strengthen its tank fleet. The K9 Thunder began to be exported more widely, with customized versions provided to countries such as Turkey, Norway and Australia. Both systems exemplify South Korea's advanced military technology, offering flexibility and adaptability on various battlefields.
The Al Qalael Training Center, a vast desert training ground stretching over 33 kilometers from north to south, provides an ideal environment for long-range firing and military maneuvers. South Korean and Qatari soldiers conducted live fire training and tactical exercises involving Qatari Leopard 2A7 tanks and German-made PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers. These joint exercises highlighted the capabilities of South Korea's systems and compared them with well-established defense equipment in the international market.
This series of exercises, which will continue until October 27, follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding between South Korea and Qatar in February , aimed at strengthening bilateral defense ties and promoting the exchange of military expertise and technological cooperation.
In addition to the ground maneuvers, these exercises also mark the first deployment of an amphibious ship of the South Korean Navy to the Middle East. This cooperation demonstrates not only the projection capabilities of the South Korean armed forces, but also their desire to strengthen strategic relations with partners in the Persian Gulf. South Korea's ambassador to Qatar, Hyunsoo Yoon, emphasized the importance of this event, noting the importance of both strengthening military capabilities and diplomatic relations. He emphasized the symbolism of these exercises, which coincide with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Qatar.