North Korea’s New Tanks vs. South Korea’s K2 Black Panther: Which is Better? – Part 3

The K2 Black Panther tank is a 3.5th-generation tank. The criteria for classifying tanks as third-generation typically include the utilization of composite armor and the implementation of computerized shooting stability and firepower control systems. While conventionally, third-generation tanks favor smoothbore guns, considering exceptions like the UK’s FV4034 Challenger 2, with its rifled gun, smoothbore guns are not mandatory.

The K2 tank adopts a 55-caliber 120mm smoothbore gun produced by Hyundai WIA, capable of firing 15 rounds per minute. Mirroring the advanced autoloader system in the Leclerc tank, the K2 houses 16 reserve rounds within its autoloader mechanism, supplemented by an additional 24 rounds stored in the vehicle’s interior compartment.

In addition to NATO standard ammunition such as high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds and armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds, the K2’s primary gun can also operate the Korean Smart Top-Attack Munition-II (KSTAM-II), a fire-and-forget top-attack munition. The KSTAM-II conceptually aims to hit targets on the thinner upper armor of enemy tanks, effectively penetrating them from top to bottom. Also, it fires in an arc trajectory similar to mortar rounds. The KSTAM-II holds a maximum engagement range of 8km and is equipped with its guidance system, setting it apart from conventional anti-tank guided missiles.

With four flight pins, the KSTAM-II autonomously navigates towards its target, deploying a miniature parachute in the final stage to adjust its coordinates accurately for precise pinpointing of the target. A notable feature of the KSTAM-II is its capability to defeat targets even when the tank is concealed.

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