{"id":260886,"date":"2026-05-20T10:27:09","date_gmt":"2026-05-20T01:27:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tenbizt.com\/en\/news\/uncategorized\/2026\/05\/20\/future-combat-systems-how-koreas-k9-and-k2-tanks-are-leading-the-charge-in-natos-shift-to-unmanned-technology\/"},"modified":"2026-05-20T10:27:09","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T01:27:09","slug":"future-combat-systems-how-koreas-k9-and-k2-tanks-are-leading-the-charge-in-natos-shift-to-unmanned-technology","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tenbizt.com\/en\/news\/military\/2026\/05\/20\/future-combat-systems-how-koreas-k9-and-k2-tanks-are-leading-the-charge-in-natos-shift-to-unmanned-technology\/","title":{"rendered":"Future Combat Systems: How Korea’s K9 and K2 Tanks Are Leading the Charge in NATO’s Shift to Unmanned Technology"},"content":{"rendered":"

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NATO shifts to unmanned, counter\u2011drone battlefields since the Russia\u2011Ukraine war<\/p>\n

Hanwha, Hyundai Rotem and LIG unveil next\u2011generation combat systems at trade show<\/p>\n

\u201cBuy European\u201d push drives local production and technology\u2011transfer demands<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\"On\"\n<\/div>\n

NATO members have accelerated rearmament under a growing \u201cBuy European\u201d policy, and South Korean defense firms are adapting fast. Beyond the export successes of K9 howitzers, K2 tanks and the K239 Chunmoo rocket system, companies are positioning unmanned platforms, manned\u2011unmanned teaming (MUM\u2011T) and counter\u2011drone systems as the next wave of growth.<\/p>\n

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At the BSDA 2026 defense expo in Romania, Hanwha Aerospace, Hyundai Rotem and LIG D&A rolled out a range of unmanned and networked technologies aimed at penetrating more deeply into European markets, industry officials said.<\/p>\n

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The Russia\u2011Ukraine conflict has reshaped European procurement priorities. Militaries now emphasize unmanned systems and layered drone defenses that reduce force exposure, along with real\u2011time battlefield information sharing. NATO members are increasingly sending unmanned vehicles into high\u2011risk areas first and controlling them from manned platforms in the rear \u2014 expanding MUM\u2011T concepts across the alliance.<\/p>\n

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That shift creates a new opening for K\u2011defense in Europe. Building on established firepower exports, Korean firms are expanding into unmanned platforms and networked combat systems to meet changing requirements.<\/p>\n

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Hanwha Aerospace has supplied K9s to Poland, Finland, Norway and Estonia and clinched a K239 Chunmoo deal with Poland in 2022. Hyundai Rotem boosted its footprint with a major K2 tank contract with Poland that same year. LIG D&A introduced Korea\u2019s air\u2011defense solutions to NATO markets through Romania\u2019s procurement of the SHINGUNG portable air\u2011defense guided weapon.<\/p>\n

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But Europe is also reworking its defense supply chains to prioritize in\u2011region production. The European Union has stepped up demands for local manufacturing and technology transfer, meaning straight exports are no longer enough. Korean firms are responding with future technologies and localization strategies.<\/p>\n

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Hanwha is targeting Romania\u2019s next\u2011generation unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) programs with multipurpose UGVs such as the ArionSmet, the upgraded Grunt, and Themis\u2011K \u2014 a tracked UGV developed with Estonia\u2019s Milrem Robotics.<\/p>\n

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The company has signed a cooperation agreement with Milrem and is moving toward local production. Hanwha also staged MUM\u2011T demonstrations for Romanian military officials, pitching operational concepts as well as hardware.<\/p>\n

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Hanwha Systems emphasized networked battlefield capabilities, showcasing AI\u2011based satellite imagery analysis, its Smart Battleship (SBS) solution, and an autonomous\u2011navigation mine\u2011countermeasure system.<\/p>\n

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Hyundai Rotem demonstrated reconnaissance and fire\u2011support concepts using its multipurpose HR\u2011Sherpa unmanned vehicle and multi\u2011legged walking robots, alongside counter\u2011drone defenses. The company promoted a future\u2011war concept that prioritizes robotic platforms over personnel in high\u2011risk zones.<\/p>\n

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If unmanned systems form one pillar of future combat, integrated air\u2011defense networks to counter drone swarms represent another. Drawing on its SHINGUNG experience, LIG D&A presented layered air\u2011and\u2011missile defense options \u2014 including Cheongung\u2011II, L\u2011SAM and Haegung \u2014 tailored for European needs.<\/p>\n

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Firms are pushing localization as a competitive edge. LIG D&A is using its German office as a European hub to strengthen partnerships and follow\u2011on logistics, and it is weighing a Romanian office as its activities expand. NATO customers now prize not only system performance but also reliable supply chains and maintenance, making local bases a key factor in winning contracts.<\/p>\n

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Industry executives say success in Europe will depend more on connectivity and localization than on raw firepower. As the battlefield environment normalizes live data sharing between unmanned and manned systems, the speed with which companies integrate advanced technologies into existing platforms will determine competitiveness.<\/p>\n

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A representative from a South Korean defense firm said, \u201cWith Buy\u2011European momentum, European buyers demand not just capable weapons but production links and technology transfers to domestic industry. Ultimately, the companies that rapidly layer new capabilities \u2014 like unmanned platforms and manned\u2011unmanned interoperability \u2014 on top of established export experience will gain the advantage.\u201d<\/p>\n

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\u00a9DAILIAN Co. \u2014 Reproduction and redistribution prohibited<\/p>\n