Hyundai Rotem is setting its sights on the global market with its flagship K2 tank. The company is expanding its export portfolio by showcasing not only the K2 tank but also cutting-edge weapon systems such as wheeled armored vehicles and multipurpose unmanned ground vehicles.
At the upcoming Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition 2025 (Seoul ADEX 2025), Korea’s largest aerospace and defense exhibition starting Friday, Hyundai Rotem will unveil its vision for advanced defense technology. The company will display a full-scale K2 tank and a multipurpose unmanned vehicle, demonstrating its prowess in manned-unmanned teaming systems. In partnership with Kia and Hyundai WIA, they will create a 700-square-meter integrated Hyundai Group exhibit to maximize synergy.
Defense industry sources reported on Friday that Hyundai Rotem first broke into the international market by successfully exporting K2 tank technology to Turkey in 2008. The company reached a major milestone in July 2022 by signing a basic contract with Poland’s Armaments Agency for 1,000 K2 tanks, followed by an export deal in August – marking the first-ever export of a fully assembled domestic tank. The Polish export is progressing well, with a second implementation contract signed this year.
The K2 tank has been attracting attention from several nations recently. Its popularity stems from its adaptable design, allowing for swift and precise customization to meet specific customer requirements.
The tank’s technological prowess is also highly regarded. It features a 120mm (about 4.7 inches) smoothbore gun and an automatic loading system, enabling a crew of just three to operate effectively. The hydro-pneumatic suspension system allows for optimal firing angles even in challenging terrain. Advanced features include friend-or-foe identification, automatic target tracking, and a range of active protection systems, including soft-kill and hard-kill countermeasures.
Leveraging its superior K2 technology, Hyundai Rotem is intensifying its global market strategy. The company plans to use its European defense subsidiary in Poland as a springboard to boost sales activities and explore opportunities for expansion across the continent.
The Polish export deal is seen as a crucial stepping stone. Hyundai Rotem has earned high praise in Poland for its rapid production and delivery, including early shipments of some K2 tanks, as well as the vehicle’s impressive firepower and accuracy.
The company is also broadening its international presence by participating in defense exhibitions across Europe, including Poland and France, as well as in Peru and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Recently, on October 2, Hyundai Rotem showcased a Middle East-specific version of the K2 tank at International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2025, the region’s largest defense exhibition.
Hyundai Rotem’s export catalog extends beyond the K2 tank. Their wheeled armored vehicles, developed alongside the tank, are also gaining recognition. The company has enhanced its market responsiveness by developing a series of models, including the K806 and K808, to meet diverse operational requirements.
Last year, the company secured a contract to supply wheeled armored vehicles to the Peruvian Army’s ordnance depot, marking its first export to Latin America and the first entry of a Korean combat vehicle into the region. The deal involves supplying 30 K808 wheeled armored vehicles, which are expected to significantly enhance the mobility and survivability of Peruvian infantry units.
Hyundai Rotem is proactively addressing future market demands by developing optimized products for manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) systems. The company has already unveiled a concept model for a next-generation tank featuring unmanned turrets and drones, and has developed its flagship unmanned product, the HR-Sherpa multipurpose vehicle.
The HR-Sherpa is an indigenously developed electric unmanned platform capable of being outfitted with various mission-specific equipment for tasks such as reconnaissance, logistics support, and fire support. It boasts multiple autonomous functions, including convoy following, remote operation, and waypoint navigation. After successful field trials in forward areas like the general outline posts (GOP) and demilitarized zone (DMZ), it became the first unmanned military vehicle to enter service with the Korean armed forces.
Last year, Hyundai Rotem unveiled the latest fourth-generation HR-Sherpa. The company was the first to propose the multipurpose unmanned vehicle development project to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration and subsequently won the rapid acquisition project for these vehicles in 2020. This has allowed Hyundai Rotem to refine the HR-Sherpa through unique real-world operational feedback.
A Hyundai Rotem spokesperson stated that they’re continuously enhancing our technological edge and product competitiveness to stay ahead of future market trends. Its research and development (R&D) efforts are focused on bolstering the global competitiveness across a diverse portfolio, from the flagship K2 tank to advanced unmanned systems like the HR-Sherpa.