Hyundai Rotem officially registers the design of South Korea's future K3 stealth tank.

As reported by Sunshine on May 2, 2025, Hyundai Rotem officially registered a new design with the South Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) for a future main battle tank. The filing, listed under application number 30-2024-0034192, was submitted on August 26, 2024, and underwent examination before being approved on March 21, 2025. The design of the registered tank, widely considered to be linked with the K3 Next-Generation Main Battle Tank (NG-MBT) program, was formally registered on April 17 and published on April 21, 2025. Hyundai Rotem paid the initial three-year registration fee of 65,000 KRW on the same day. The protection extends until August 26, 2044. The registered item is a single basic design for a “tracked ground combat vehicle” (classification 12), identified by serial number M001.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The K3, also referred to in official sources as the Next-Generation Main Battle Tank (NG-MBT), is under development as a potential successor to the K2 Black Panther. (Picture source: Hyundai Rotem via KIPO. Images were publicly and freely accessible at the time this article was created.)

The design filing includes nine drawings illustrating the vehicle from multiple angles, including an isometric view, orthographic projections, and enlarged views of the front and rear. The description specifies that the materials used are either metal or synthetic resin, and that the design is based on a future-oriented stealth shape suitable for combat missions in field conditions. The filing states that the configuration is intended for armored and mechanized units. Compared to the previous year’s version, the turret in this 2024 design appears slightly simplified.

The K3, also referred to in official sources as the Next-Generation Main Battle Tank (NG-MBT), is under development as a potential successor to the K2 Black Panther. The tank is being developed in response to the South Korean military's assessment that the K2 no longer fully addresses the evolving demands of modern mechanized warfare. Although there is no immediate plan to replace the K1 series—still in operation due to insufficient production numbers of the K2 to retire M48A5K tanks—the urgency for a new generation of tanks has increased due to the emergence of new armored warfare scenarios, particularly influenced by lessons from the Russia-Ukraine war. The K3 is envisioned not only to exceed current MBTs like the M1 Abrams and T-14 Armata in key capabilities but also to meet the latest requirements for stealth, survivability, and mobility in future operational environments.

Several mockups of the tank have been progressively revealed by Hyundai Rotem, beginning with its display at DX Korea 2022 and subsequent showcases at ADEX 2023 and Eurosatory 2024. According to the latest configuration data, the NG-MBT maintains a traditional layout of front compartment, central turret, and rear engine, with a maximum combat weight under 55 tons and external dimensions below 10.8 meters in length, 3.6 meters in width, and 2.4 meters in height. However, one of its defining features is its fully unmanned turret, combined with an armored crew capsule located at the front of the hull housing a crew of two or three—the driver, commander, and gunner. The tank’s turret is located at the rear of the chassis, while the powerpack has been shifted to the front, similar to the Israeli Merkava configuration, to improve crew survivability. This layout, which separates the crew from the automatic loader and ammunition storage, minimizes the impact of turret penetration and ammunition detonation on human operators.

Like the newly patented design, the previously known models depict a low-profile, stealth-optimized hull with reduced radar and thermal signatures. One version shown in 2023 closely resembled the K2 Black Panther in external form but included key differences, such as a CITV-integrated Remote Weapon Station (RWS), a larger unmanned turret, and provisions for a crew capsule in the hull. Another variant featured a rear-mounted launcher for rotary-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), a 12.7mm machine gun RWS, and an infrared countermeasure system.

The K3 will initially be introduced in a hybrid form combining diesel and hydrogen components before a full transition to hydrogen-only propulsion later. Hyundai Rotem aims to introduce a hydrogen-powered propulsion system—the first of its kind in main battle tanks—through collaboration with the South Korean Agency for Defense Development and the Korea Research Institute for Defense Technology Planning and Advancement. The final model, expected in 2040, will be a fully electric tank using hydrogen fuel cells, batteries, and dual electric motors. In the meantime, a transitional hybrid version combining diesel and hydrogen systems is under development. The hydrogen fuel cell propulsion, previously used by the company for the NEXO and ix35 Fuel Cell SUVs, as well as for hydrogen-powered trams, produces electricity through an electrochemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, emitting only water and heat. The reaction takes place between an anode and a cathode separated by an electrolyte membrane. Hydrogen enters the anode, where it is split into protons and electrons. The protons pass through the electrolyte to the cathode, while electrons generate an electric current in an external circuit. The recombined protons, electrons, and oxygen form water as the byproduct.

Vertical Launch Systems (VLS) at the rear of the hull have been proposed, in addition to traditional gun-launched ATGMs, possibly allowing for the deployment of anti-tank or surface-to-air missiles beyond the standard gun-launched types. (Picture source: Hyundai Rotem via KIPO. Images were publicly and freely accessible at the time this article was created.)

Other countries, including the United States, Japan, and Germany, are researching hydrogen applications for military vehicles, but South Korea's K3 is currently the only main battle tank project known to integrate this propulsion system as a primary objective. Indeed, the hydrogen-electric system operates silently and emits only water vapor, offering significant reductions in acoustic and thermal signatures. It also increases vehicle autonomy, allowing for deeper penetration into enemy territory with fewer logistical constraints and lower susceptibility to environmental degradation. The electric system, promising instant torque and improved acceleration, is viewed as essential for dynamic repositioning after firing. The rubber tracks under consideration reduce vibrations and fatigue and further contribute to stealth through noise suppression.

Operationally, the hydrogen system would allow for deeper penetration into hostile environments without frequent refueling, improve survivability in polluted or degraded terrain, and reduce the vulnerability of fuel supply lines. The tank’s combat weight is capped below 55 tons to maintain mobility in difficult terrain, including mud and rubble. A maximum road speed of 70 km/h and off-road speed of 50 km/h are anticipated, with a cruising range of up to 500 kilometers. Additional components include an active suspension and a hybrid powerpack designed to meet electrical requirements for drone integration and onboard systems.

Firepower is centered around a high-pressure 130mm smoothbore gun, replacing the 120mm weapon used in the K2. While Rheinmetall has developed a gun of the same caliber for the KF-51 Panther, there is no confirmed cooperation between the companies. The K3 will include an automatic loading system, though the number of ready-to-fire rounds has not been publicly confirmed. Two main autoloader configurations are under review: carousel and bustle-type. The carousel type allows for greater ammunition storage but presents higher vulnerability to damage if penetrated. The bustle type offers improved crew safety and accommodates longer projectiles, though it typically reduces ammunition capacity. Given that the K2 already uses a bustle-type system, and considering associated survivability concerns, the bustle-type is currently assessed as more likely for integration. The design also considers the possibility of a stealth barrel sleeve and thermal masking covers.

Vertical Launch Systems (VLS) at the rear of the hull have been proposed, in addition to traditional gun-launched ATGMs, possibly allowing for the deployment of anti-tank or surface-to-air missiles beyond the standard gun-launched types. Hyundai Rotem has stated that loitering munitions are not currently being considered for integration with the VLS system and that it is not currently pursuing dual-purpose missile launchers. Additionally, a rooftop missile launcher, a remote-controlled weapon station with a 12.7mm machine gun, and rotary-wing UAV launch and recovery systems are included in current mockups. These also include a drone jammer and sensors mounted on the turret that are designed to detect and classify incoming threats.

The K3 will also include an integrated AI-based fire control and command system capable of assigning battlefield roles, targeting priorities, and coordinating with unmanned assets. AI-based situational awareness algorithms will provide 360-degree monitoring through sensor fusion, enhancing threat detection and mission efficiency. A CSISR system (Command, Control, Communication, Computer, Cyber Information, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance), coupled with AI algorithms, satellite communications, and secure data links, will support unit-level coordination, networked operations, 360-degree situational awareness, and possibly autonomous drone coordination. The design also anticipates both manned and optionally unmanned variants capable of autonomous platoon-level missions.

Other countries, including the United States, Japan, and Germany, are researching hydrogen applications for military vehicles, but South Korea's K3 is currently the only main battle tank project known to integrate this propulsion system as a primary objective. (Picture source: Hyundai Rotem via KIPO. Images were publicly and freely accessible at the time this article was created.)

Regarding survivability, the tank is expected to use a modular armor system consisting of high-hardness steel, ceramic, and composite materials. Passive armor layers include elements such as non-explosive reactive armor (NxRA), also known as non-energetic reactive armor (NERA), and removable explosive reactive armor (ERA) modules on the sides and roof to counter large-caliber kinetic and chemical energy threats. The lower hull features mine protection consistent with NATO STANAG 4569 Level 4a/4b standards, which cover threats from 10 kg TNT under both the wheel and center. Stealth technologies use a combination of radar-absorbing coatings and metamaterial-based RF and infrared camouflage that lower visibility across infrared, radar, and millimeter-wave spectrums.

A concept model revealed in June 2023 showed many of these features. It appeared as a K2 derivative but introduced a CITV-integrated remote weapon system, a larger unmanned turret, and a new armored capsule layout. The model shared visual characteristics with the K2PL upgrade offered to Poland. In fact, Hyundai Rotem’s cooperation with Poland was formalized during the 2022 MSPO exhibition, where the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) to jointly develop the K3 MBT, wheeled armored vehicles like a localized K808, and unmanned ground platforms. This was part of a broader defense cooperation push following the Poland–South Korea arms agreement of the same year.

Despite the ambitious scope of the K3 program, its development has not been without internal speculation. As far back as 2016, rumors surfaced about the dissolution of the tank development team at ADD, though these were attributed to normal workforce redistribution and the program’s early planning stage. In addition, questions about whether a two-man crew could sustain extended operations have prompted internal debate, and a three-man crew option is under serious consideration. Meanwhile, some models of the K3, including the version featured in the online game Armored Warfare, have helped visualize the concept as a stealth-enhanced vehicle with low weight, hybrid propulsion, and reduced armor compared to existing MBTs.

The global development of fourth-generation and future main battle tanks is characterized by multiple converging trends. Autoloaders are increasingly adopted, and unmanned turrets are now present in several designs, including Russia’s T-14 Armata and Germany's KF-51U concept. Caliber increases are being pursued in parallel, with several new tanks designed to accommodate larger weapons such as 130mm and 140mm smoothbore guns, including the Panther KF51, Leclerc Evolution, and EMBT. Emphasis on vehicle protection has shifted toward active protection systems (APS), with many platforms integrating countermeasures specifically designed to address loitering munitions and UAV threats. Additionally, AI-assisted systems are being introduced for fire control, situational awareness, and autonomous or semi-autonomous operation, with some concepts reducing crew workloads or enabling remote operation. These changes are informed by operational data from recent conflicts and evolving battlefield conditions.

Several programs illustrate these trends. Japan’s Type 10, introduced in 2012, weighs between 40 and 48 tons and uses a 1,200 hp engine. It incorporates a C4I system, autoloader with a 3.5-second reload time, and modular armor, and its reduced mass allows for wider bridge accessibility compared to earlier Japanese tanks. Russia’s T-14 Armata, first revealed in 2015, features a 2A82 125mm smoothbore gun, unmanned turret, and crew capsule. Serial production has not been completed as of 2025, and the number built remains low. France’s Leclerc XLR, part of the SCORPION program, is an upgrade to existing Leclerc tanks featuring a new RWS turret, updated sensors, armor, and tactical systems, with 200 units to be fielded by 2030. Other future systems under development include Turkey’s Altay, based on the K2 and developed with South Korean technology; the UK’s Challenger 3, incorporating the Rheinmetall L55A1 120mm gun; and India’s Arjun Mk2 and Future Ready Combat Vehicle programs.

The Leclerc Evolution introduces the ASCALON 140mm gun and Trophy APS. The EMBT prototypes integrate multiple sensors, a 140mm autoloaded gun, and an AI-enabled “SAFE” fire control system. The Panther KF51, equipped with a 130mm gun, is entering production with Hungary and is being considered by Italy. Germany’s Leopard 2A RC 3.0 and Leopard 2A8 aim to provide intermediate solutions before the Main Ground Combat System (MGCS) program reaches operational status in the 2040s. MGCS, led by France and Germany, is supported by additional European partners. In the U.S., the M1E3 and AbramsX feature an autoloader, XM360 gun, hybrid powerpack, and digital systems. China's next-generation MBT, revealed in 2024, is designed for semi-autonomous operation with AI-based control, a two-man crew capsule, unmanned turret, and possible configurations ranging from 30 to 50 tons.