Technical specifications of the Korean hydrogen-powered K3 battle tank revealed

South Korean technology and defense startup Hyundai Rotem has announced the development of a modern hydrogen-powered K3 battle tank. The tank will feature fuel cells, electric motors, and batteries, which will reduce emissions and improve environmental friendliness. Its system is expected to operate almost silently, increasing stealth in combat conditions, Army Inform reports.

The tank's main features will be a new 130mm smoothbore gun, which is more powerful than previous models, and the integration of artificial intelligence to improve aiming accuracy and threat assessment on the battlefield. Serial production of the fully hydrogen tanks is expected to begin by 2040. By then, the company will release a hybrid model with diesel and hydrogen systems.

The development of the K3 is taking place within the framework of Hyundai Rotem's cooperation with the South Korean Defense Development Agency and scientific institutes, which positions the Asian country as a leader in the implementation of hydrogen technologies in the military sphere. Such tanks will be able to operate in difficult conditions, having a low acoustic and thermal signature, which makes them effective for covert operations and long-range raids.

Global interest in hydrogen military technologies is growing. In the US, General Motors Defense is testing prototypes of hydrogen-powered all-terrain vehicles, and in Europe, the MGCS program is studying the possibility of using hydrogen in new battle tanks. Japan and Israel are also exploring alternative energy solutions to increase the autonomy of military equipment.