« Responder #17 em: Outubro 07, 2024, 09:39:58 pm »
Romania may sign contract for K2 Black Panther tanks with South Korea by 2025.(7 de Outubro de 2024)
As reported by Defense Romania on October 4, 2024, at the Korea Army International Defense Exhibition (KADEX 2024), Hyundai Rotem, the manufacturer, confirmed that the K2's testing in Romania yielded successful results, and discussions about a contract are ongoing. A potential agreement regarding the acquisition of K2 Black Panther tanks by Romania could be reached as early as 2025.
Romania has already entered into an agreement with the United States for 54 M1A2 Abrams tanks under the "Main Battle Tank" program, using a government-to-government procedure. This acquisition, valued at roughly 1 billion euros, includes modernized M1A2 variants, 12 additional tank-based vehicles, and supporting equipment such as ammunition and training boosters. The process received approval from Romania’s Defense Commission in May 2023, and deliveries are expected to start in 2026.
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Having already invested in Abrams tanks, Romania is considering a model similar to Poland's, which involves integrating both K2 and Abrams tanks within its military fleet. Representatives from Hyundai Rotem, the manufacturer of the K2, have indicated that the acquisition plan is flexible; an initial purchase of a single battalion could lead to broader collaboration, with potential involvement from the Romanian defense industry in production and support processes.
Demonstration firings of the K2 were conducted in May at the Smârdan Combat Training Center, with Hyundai Rotem sharing videos to highlight the tank's operational capabilities. Later showcased at the BSDA 2024 exhibition, the K2 has been tested in various climates, including extreme cold in Norway and high temperatures in Oman, to ensure its versatility in different operational environments. These demonstrations follow a 2023 defense cooperation conference where Romania outlined plans to procure approximately 300 new tanks to replace its aging T-55AM and TR-85 tanks.
Field and firing tests of the K2 Black Panther in Romania are scheduled for 2024, with military and government officials from Romania and South Korea expected to observe. These tests will provide Romania with additional information on the K2's suitability for its defense requirements. The tests mark a significant phase in the acquisition process, which includes assessing how well the K2 adapts to Romania’s specific operational settings and environmental conditions.
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Fonte:
https://www.armyrecognition.com/news/army-news/army-news-2024/romania-may-sign-contract-for-k2-black-panther-tanks-with-south-korea-by-2025Cumprimentos,
