South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem has kicked off development of the K3 main battle tank, a next-generation platform powered by hydrogen fuel cells and is set to succeed the widely regarded K2.
Built with support from the country’s top defense agencies, the K3 will initially feature a hybrid hydrogen-diesel system, with plans to shift to a fully hydrogen setup in the future.
The use of hydrogen fuel cells promises several advantages, including reduced acoustic and heat signatures, better fuel efficiency, and improved mobility, all contributing to lower maintenance and stronger off-road performance.
It also represents a major shift away from the traditional diesel-powered systems found in current main battle tanks like the K2.
“Next-generation main battle tank surpasses all capabilities of today’s main battle tanks (MBTs),” Hyundai Rotem stated. “As battlefield conditions change, more changes are required to MBT’s firepower, command and control, and survivability.”
The K3 will mount a 130mm smoothbore gun on an unmanned turret and feature an AI-powered fire control system capable of striking targets up to 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) away.
It will also carry anti-tank guided missiles with an 8-kilometer (5-mile) range for both direct and beyond-line-of-sight engagements, supported by a remote weapon station that can mount weapons from 12.7mm to 30mm.
A three-person crew, including a driver, commander, and gunner, will be seated inside an armored capsule at the front of the hull. By separating the crew from the turret and ammo, the layout improves survivability against direct hits.
The tank will also incorporate a suite of active defenses, including an active protection system, directional infrared countermeasures for heat-seeking missiles, and a drone-jamming device.
For added protection and situational awareness, the K3 is expected to have a 360-degree virtual reality system with large internal displays, a turret-mounted drone system, and autonomous driving features.
“Hyundai Rotem will proactively prepare for future warfare by developing next-generation main battle tanks capable of supplementing combatants’ capabilities,” the company stressed. “Peacekeeping is our prioritized goal.”
Though the K3 has just begun development, Hyundai Rotem has already proven its tank production capabilities through back-to-back contracts with Poland for the K2 Black Panthers.
The second contract, worth 9 trillion won ($6.5 billion), includes tech transfer, local production of Polish variants, and expansion of maintenance, repair, and overhaulinfrastructure.
As of June 2025, 133 of 180 K2 tanks from the first deal have been delivered, with the rest expected by year’s end.
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