Haeseong-II upgrade aims to double strike range by 2033
South Korea will launch a 3.43 trillion-won (US$2.43 billion) project to upgrade the K2 main battle tank, DAPA said, equipping it with an active protection system designed to intercept anti-tank missiles and drones. The agency described the system, dubbed a smart shield, as using radar to automatically spot incoming enemy missiles or drones and attack them. The upgrade also adds a drone and improvised explosive device jammer that blocks enemy radio signals, along with a remote-controlled weapons station that enables the crew to aim and fire from inside the armored vehicle.
The K2 upgrade program is scheduled to run from 2028 through 2046, with the new tanks expected to enter service in 2033, DAPA said.
In a separate project, the agency will upgrade the Haeseong-II long-range anti-ship missile, aiming to double its strike range with a more powerful turbofan engine. With a budget of around 1.63 trillion won, the military aims to complete development by 2033 and start mass production in 2034, DAPA said.
The upgraded missiles are expected to be mounted on South Korea’s next-generation KDDX destroyer, according to a source familiar with the matter. The government recently signed a formal contract with Hanwha to build the destroyer’s lead ship.
The upgrade plans were approved during DAPA’s key decision-making meeting Tuesday, the agency said.