South Korea’s K2 Blank Panther has gained popularity and recognition as a well-rounded tank. This attention extends even to other continents, as Morocco and Peru seek to buy the famous tank for their own militaries.
Panthers are native to multiple continents, and fittingly, the main battle tank (MBT) named for the large black cats could soon be operating around the world. The South Korean-made K2 Black Panther MBT has caught the attention of the Peruvian military, which seeks to replace its outdated fleet of Soviet-era T-54/55 series tanks, first acquired in the 1970s.
It was likely a strong selling point for Lima that the K2 was developed to operate in the Korean Peninsula’s hilly terrain, which isn’t dissimilar from that of Peru. The South American nation is noted for its flat coastal region and rugged mountainous interior, where the K2 could be exceptionally well suited.
South Korea’s K2 Black Panther Will Be On Display in Lima
Peruvian officials, as well as those from other Latin American countries, will have a chance to see the tank up close. Hyundai Rotem will exhibit the MBT at the upcoming SITDEF 2025 Defense Exhibition in Lima, Peru, from April 24 to 27.
Last fall, the South Korean defense contractor signed a contract with the Peruvian state-owned military production enterprises, FAME S.A.C., which will see Hyundai Rotem produce 100 K2 tanks for the Peruvian military.
In addition to the MBTs, the agreement included future collaboration for local tank production and even “potential technology transfers,” Army Recognition reported.
Seoul has finalized similar deals with Warsaw, which will see Poland producing the Black Panther domestically under license.
The Peruvian military had previously closed a deal for ninety South Korean-made K808 White Tiger wheeled armored personnel carriers.
Morocco Is Also Eager to Buy South Korea’s K2 Black Panther
The Black Panther could soon be roaming the plains of North Africa, as it was reported that Morocco has formally reached out to South Korea to purchase the K2. Moroccan Minister of Industry and Trade Ryad Mezzour recently visited Seoul, where he met with officials to discuss Rabat’s intention to purchase the K-2 and the Chenongung air defense system.
Moroccan officials have also expressed interest in adopting the KSS-III diesel-electric submarine to bolster their naval capabilities.
Rabat and Seoul have forged closer ties. The North African nation recently concluded a deal with Hyundai Rotem for the sale of a double-deck train that will be used on Morocco’s rail network, one of the continent’s most robust rail systems.
The train will link the cities of Tangier via Rabat and Casablanca to Marrakech and Oujda.
As previously reported, Morocco is engaged in a de facto arms race with its neighbor and regional rival Algeria, and Rabat has sought to modernize its military. It has adopted the U.S.-made F-16 Fighting Falcon, while there is speculation that Morocco could become the first Arab and African nation to acquire the fifth-generation Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II.
In addition, the Cheongung (KM-SAM) air defense system has been seen as a possible priority, given that Algeria is purchasing Sukhoi Su-35 fighters from Russia. It is reportedly the first foreign buyer of the Sukhoi Su-57 stealth fighter.
The K2 Black Panther has also been seen as well-suited to North Africa, and, as with Poland, it would complement an existing fleet of American-made M1A2 Abrams.
About the Author: Peter Suciu
Peter Suciu has contributed over 3,200 published pieces to more than four dozen magazines and websites over a twenty-year career in journalism. He regularly writes about military hardware, firearms history, cybersecurity, politics, and international affairs. Peter is also a Contributing Writer for Forbes and Clearance Jobs. He is based in Michigan. You can follow him on Twitter: @PeterSuciu. You can email the author: [email protected].
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