SEOUL — According to an article by the South Korean media outlet Chosun Biz, dated October 4, 2024, Armenian Defense Minister Suren Papikyan visited South Korea in September 2024 to explore the possibility of acquiring K2 Black Panther main battle tanks developed by Hyundai Rotem. This visit also allowed the Armenian minister to attend the 2024 High-Level Meeting on Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence (REAIM), organized by South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense and Ministry of Foreign Affairs on September 9 and 10.
According to the Armenian Military Portal, Papikyan also used this visit to initiate discussions on the supply of South Korean weapons, with a particular interest in the K2tank. Furthermore, the Armenian media outlet Caliban reports that Armenian Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan also traveled to South Korea on September 6 to hold several meetings focused on weapons procurement issues.
The K2 main battle tank, currently used by the South Korean Army, features a semi-active pneumatic suspension system, an advanced technology that is especially well-suited to mountainous terrains. In Armenia, where nearly 86% of the territory is mountainous, this capability could provide a significant strategic advantage by enhancing the mobility and precision of troops in combat. Additionally, the tank is equipped with a sensor that automatically adjusts the suspension based on the terrain, further improving accuracy and crew comfort.
TheK2 Black Panther tank was developed in South Korea to achieve self-sufficiency in defense production. It is armed with a 120mm 55-caliber smoothbore gun, capable of firing various munitions, including APFSDS rounds and HEAT shells. Thanks to its autoloading system, it can achieve a firing rate of 10 rounds per minute, with a total capacity of 40 rounds.
According to Military Balance 2024, Armenia has significantly increased its defense budget, allocating USD 1.28 billion for 2023, marking a 46% rise from the previous year. This budget is expected to reach approximately USD 1.4 billion in 2024. Historically dependent on Russia for its military equipment, Armenia is now diversifying its suppliers, partly due to Moscow’s inability to fulfill deliveries agreed upon in 2021, as Russia has redirected resources to meet domestic needs driven by the conflict in Ukraine.
