Iraq could replace 140 U.S. Abrams tanks with 250 South Korean K2 Black Panthers.

Iraq is reviewing a proposal to acquire about 250 K2 Black Panther main battle tanks from South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem, valued at roughly $6.5 billion. The plan aims to gradually replace Iraq’s fleet of American M1A1 Abrams tanks and older Soviet models with a single standardized platform optimized for desert operations.

Iraq is evaluating a large-scale procurement of approximately 250 K2 Black Panther main battle tanks from South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem, according to reports from Milli Recharge on September 25, 2025. The proposed $6.5 billion deal is under government and military review and would replace part of Iraq’s U.S.-supplied M1 Abrams fleet, alongside aging T-90S and T-72 tanks, as the country seeks to consolidate its armored units under a unified, modern platform. A senior Iraqi delegation led by the Army Chief of Staff is scheduled to inspect Hyundai Rotem’s production facilities later this year to assess manufacturing capacity, delivery timelines, and maintenance support prior to official negotiations.
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A high-level delegation led by the Iraqi Army Chief of Staff is scheduled to visit Hyundai Rotem’s K2 production sites this year to observe manufacture and in-service operations before moving to formal talks. (Picture source: South Korean Army)

According to the South Korean media, Iraq could be preparing a large-scale acquisition centered on the K2 Black Panther main battle tank from South Korea, with an estimated value of about 9 trillion won, or approximately $6.5 billion. A senior Iraqi delegation led by the Army Chief of Staff is expected to visit Hyundai Rotem’s production facilities later this year to conduct a detailed review of assembly lines, training environments, and operational tanks in service before the launch of official negotiations. The proposed deal, currently under assessment at the ministerial and military staff levels, involves around 250 K2 tanks, a number comparable to Poland’s initial contract and potentially one of the largest foreign armor purchases in Iraq’s recent history. This visit will play a determining role in the final decision process, as Baghdad intends to base its selection on direct evaluations of production capability, operational performance, and delivery timelines.

The K2 program under review by Iraq follows the model of Poland’s acquisition, in which an initial order of 180 K2s rapidly expanded through technology-transfer agreements and domestic production planning. That contract’s value rose from roughly 4 trillion won to 9 trillion won as additional industrial elements were added, creating a reference point for how a K2 deal can evolve in scale and scope. Iraq’s plan reflects similar priorities (rapid delivery, integration assistance, and potential local sustainment participation) since Baghdad has little time to conduct a full international competition. The urgency is driven by the expected withdrawal of U.S. troops, which would leave Iraq’s regular army responsible for filling a large operational gap in deterrence and armored maneuver capabilities. In this scenario, Seoul’s proven ability to deliver large volumes on compressed schedules provides a framework Iraq can use to meet pressing timelines while maintaining interoperability with Western standards.

Industrial capacity is a critical element of Hyundai Rotem’s proposal, as the company has doubled its annual production potential since 2023 through expanded facilities and workforce growth, allowing the output of more than 200 tanks per year. This expansion supports parallel commitments: the continued delivery of K2s to Poland, production of South Korea’s fourth domestic batch, and preparation for potential additional exports. Once Polish local assembly at Poznań reaches full capacity, Hyundai Rotem expects to gain extra production headroom that could be redirected toward a new customer such as Iraq. These adjustments would allow the Korean manufacturer to maintain uninterrupted production continuity through the end of the decade. For Iraq, this means the ability to negotiate a structured, multi-year delivery plan that provides predictable supply and the possibility of future technology cooperation in maintenance or training.

Iraq currently operates about 140 M1 Abrams tanks, with 135 units confirmed in service, alongside 73 T-90S tanks delivered by Russia between 2018 and 2021, and around 170 T-72 tanks in varying states of serviceability, many of which are held in reserve or used for training. Each of these types presents operational and logistical challenges that limit readiness. Abrams tanks are capable but expensive to maintain and operate, restricting their deployment to select brigades. Russian-origin T-90S and T-72 units have faced spare-parts shortages and lower serviceability rates due to disrupted supply chains. This mixed inventory results in logistical inefficiencies, dual maintenance networks, and inconsistent training, prompting the Ministry of Defense to pursue a single modern main battle tank to unify its armored forces. Standardizing around the K2 Black Panther would simplify logistics, improve training cycles, and reduce dependence on both U.S. and Russian technical support.

The K2 has already undergone trials in Middle Eastern conditions through South Korean military participation in exercises with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. These assessments demonstrated full operational reliability in high temperatures exceeding 50 °C and during exposure to dust and sand. Hyundai Rotem previously developed a desert-optimized variant of the K2, the K2ME, featuring structural modifications such as a reinforced air-conditioning system and an auxiliary power unit (APU) that maintains cooling and electrical systems when the main engine is off. The tank’s hydropneumatic suspension system has also been proven to provide stability on uneven terrain while allowing hull adjustments for firing position optimization. These characteristics have increased interest in the K2’s suitability for Iraq’s geography and climate.

The K2’s armament and onboard systems further strengthen its appeal as a modern main battle tank for Iraq’s requirements. The tank uses a 120 mm L/55 CN08 smoothbore gun with an automatic loader capable of firing up to ten rounds per minute and engaging targets beyond 4 kilometers with high precision. The vehicle’s total ammunition capacity is 40 rounds, and it integrates a digital fire-control suite that includes target-tracking sensors, laser rangefinding, and computer-assisted stabilization for firing on the move. Its armor structure combines modular composite protection and explosive reactive panels, with optional soft-kill or hard-kill active protection systems under development. The powerpack consists of a 1,500 hp engine providing a top speed of 70 km/h on roads and 50 km/h off-road, with the ability to ford up to 4.1 meters of water using deep fording equipment. The crew configuration of three ensures compact dimensions, low profile, and improved survivability through an automatic loading mechanism that eliminates the need for a fourth crew member.

Iraq’s acquisition of the K2 would represent the most significant tank procurement in the country’s post-2003 history and a major milestone for South Korea’s defense exports. The program would potentially secure Hyundai Rotem’s production schedule for the next five years, joining existing Polish and South Korean orders. For Iraq, the transition to the K2 platform would replace its aging tank fleet with a single, standardized model capable of operating across the country’s desert and urban environments. The deal also reflects Baghdad’s increasing orientation toward Asian defense suppliers capable of providing rapid production, reliable support, and independent maintenance structures. A final decision is expected by the end of the year following the delegation’s inspection, and if approved, the first deliveries could begin within three years, marking a significant reorganization of Iraq’s armored forces around a new-generation main battle tank

Written by Jérôme Brahy

Jérôme Brahy is a defense analyst and documentalist at Army Recognition. He specializes in naval modernization, aviation, drones, armored vehicles, and artillery, with a focus on strategic developments in the United States, China, Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye, and Belgium. His analyses go beyond the facts, providing context, identifying key actors, and explaining why defense news matters on a global scale.