On October 21, 2024, the South Korean army announced that it had, for the first time in its history, deployed its K2 tanks and K9 self-propelled howitzers for joint overseas exercises. These maneuvers, taking place at the Al Kalael training center in Qatar, reflect South Korea’s growing commitment to strengthening its international military cooperation, particularly in the Middle East.
A contingent of around 100 South Korean soldiers, along with four K2 tanks and four K9 self-propelled howitzers, traveled to Qatar aboard a South Korean Navy landing ship. After covering more than 12,000 kilometers, the ship docked at the port of Doha on October 13, marking the start of an intensive joint training program with the Qatari armed forces.
The K2 Black Panther and K9 Thunder are key assets of South Korea’s defense industry, combining advanced technology and operational capabilities. The K2, developed by Hyundai Rotem, is a next-generation main battle tank designed to replace the aging M48 Patton tanks in service with the South Korean army.
Equipped with a 120 mm cannon and an automatic loading system, it can fire while moving across challenging terrain. It also features an advanced suspension system, an active protection system with reactive armor blocks, and an anti-missile defense system, enhancing its overall protection. Powered by a 1,500-horsepower diesel engine, the K2 reaches a top speed of 70 km/h and can overcome steep obstacles in a variety of environments.
The K9 Thunder, developed by Hanwha Land Systems, is a 155 mm self-propelled howitzer designed to offer both mobility and firepower. Its 155 mm/52-caliber gun has a maximum range of 40 km and a firing rate of six rounds per minute.
The K9’s welded steel armor protects against small arms fire and artillery fragments. Powered by a 1,000-horsepower diesel engine, the K9 reaches speeds of up to 67 km/h and is used by several countries, including Finland, India, and Poland. These two vehicles highlight South Korea’s capability to provide modern, reliable defense systems to the international market.
In terms of production, the K2 Black Panther and K9 Thunder are flagship products of South Korea’s defense industry, widely adopted globally. The K2 is in service with the South Korean army, with variants exported to Poland to bolster its tank fleet. The K9 Thunder has seen broader exports, with customized versions provided to countries such as Turkey, Norway, and Australia. Both systems exemplify South Korea’s advanced military technology, offering flexibility and adaptability across various battlefields.
The Al Kalael training center, a vast desert training ground spanning over 33 kilometers from north to south, provides an ideal environment for long-range shooting and military maneuvers. South Korean and Qatari soldiers conducted live-fire drills and tactical exercises, with Qatar’s Leopard 2A7 tanks and PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzers, both of German origin, also participating. These joint exercises highlighted the capabilities of South Korean systems while comparing them to well-established defense equipment on the international market.
This series of exercises, which will continue until October 27, follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding between South Korea and Qatar in February aimed at strengthening bilateral defense ties and facilitating military expertise exchanges and technology cooperation.
Besides the ground maneuvers, this exercise also marks the first deployment of a South Korean Navy landing ship in the Middle East. This cooperation showcases not only the South Korean armed forces’ projection capabilities but also their desire to strengthen strategic relations with Gulf partners. South Korea’s ambassador to Qatar, Hyunsoo Yun, emphasized the significance of this event, noting the importance of both military capability enhancement and diplomatic relations. He underscored the symbolism of these exercises, which coincide with the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between South Korea and Qatar.
The ongoing exercises also demonstrate the performance of South Korean military equipment in demanding desert conditions. The K2 tank and K9 howitzer have proven their reliability and effectiveness in extreme environments, reinforcing their standing in the global defense market. Ambassador Yun also highlighted that these exercises provide a valuable opportunity to showcase South Korean systems, capable of meeting the growing demands of modern armed forces worldwide.
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