[10][11][12] The K2 Black Panther has an advanced fire-control system, in-arm suspension, and a radar, laser rangefinder, and crosswind sensor for lock-on targeting.

The K2's autoloader reduces crew size by 25%, providing a faster rate of fire, better fuel efficiency, and lower maintenance costs compared to other western main battle tanks that require human loaders.

[11][12][15][16] In the early 1990s, Korean engineers suggested producing a new domestically designed tank using the latest available technology, but the military refused due to cost overruns.

[12] Developers claimed that during times of war, military logistics and support of armaments could stop when geopolitics came into play, as witnessed in the Middle East and Eastern Europe.

[12][19][20] In 2002, Hilmi Özkök, the commander of Turkish Land Forces, visited the research center and witnessed the simulator capabilities and an actual model of the combat control system.

[18] The last prototype was unveiled on 2 March 2007 at the proving ground in Changwon,[20][21] and the development was officially completed after being declared fit for combat by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) in September 2008.

Using acquired technology, engineers decided to increase firepower with longer gun barrels and enhanced propellants that were NATO compatible.

[12][38][39] The laser barcode identifier of the autoloader recognizes the classification of pre-barcoded ammunition and selects a type of munition for loading based on mission need.

[40][41] When a target is acquired, an explosively formed penetrator (EFP) is fired from a top-down position, to exploit the weaker top armor of tanks.

The fire-control system is also linked to an advanced gun stabilizer and trigger-delay mechanism to optimize accuracy while moving in uneven terrain.

It can lead the target and fire automatically based on ballistic data calculated by the turret mounted laser rangefinder and crosswind sensor.

Despite South Korea producing K1 tanks, GDLS strictly prohibited Koreans from using the Special Armor Package (SAP), which was identical to that of the M1 Abrams, in order to protect the United States' intellectual property rights and national security.

[31] The ADD and Samyang Comtech developed Korean Special Armor Plate (KSAP) for the K1A1 project, and South Korea also keeps most information in secret.

[73][74][75][76] The multispectral screening smoke grenades hide tank from visible, forward-looking infrared, and millimeter wave optics and radar thus disrupt accuracy of missile.

[68] The unique suspension system of the Black Panther expands the gun's elevation angles, allowing it to target from a high hill or a low valley.

K2 can elevate its main gun up to 24 degrees, which allows a curved trajectory attack at a hovering helicopter target 5 kilometers (3.1 mi) away.

The compact in-arm suspension unit with the integration of gas springs and dampers is mounted independently on the side of the chassis to provide additional interior space.

[46][83] The K2 Black Panther is a unique tank equipped with advanced snorkel capabilities, enabling it to navigate challenging battlefields with numerous rivers.

[84][81] The turret becomes watertight while fording, but the chassis can take in 1,900 liters (500 U.S. gal) of water to prevent excessive buoyancy from air inside the vehicle and keep the tracks planted firmly on the ground.

In March 2011, South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced that mass production of the K2, which the Army was expecting to deploy in 2012, would not happen due to problems concerning its engine and transmission.

[86] In the evaluation test conducted in March 2012, it was reported that the domestic powerpack did not meet the required operational capability (ROC) proposed by the Ministry of National Defense in three categories: cooling fan speed control, maximum power at low temperature, and acceleration performance.

Faulty domestic engines and transmissions previously halted production, but the lowering of required acceleration performance allowed it to enter service.

[3] Hyundai Rotem signed a contract from the second batch of 106 K2 tanks in December 2014, but the vehicles continued to have powerpack issues due to the domestic SNT Dynamics transmission failing durability tests.

[90] In February 2018, DAPA announced the second batch would have a "hybrid" powerpack consisting of the locally developed engine with the German RENK transmission system, allowing them to start entering service in 2019.

[120] On July 29, 2008, Hyundai Rotem and Turkey's Otokar signed a contract to provide design assistance and technology transfer for the Altay tank project.

Samyang Comtech shared expertise in advanced armor materials, and Poongsan Corporation supported the development of ballistic protection systems.

Following this success, the first batch of Altay tanks will be produced using this Korean powerpack, which includes engines from HD Hyundai Infracore and transmissions by SNT Dynamics.

[110][134][135][136] On 7 September 2022, PGZ and Hyundai Rotem signed a partnership agreement to develop and produce tanks, armored vehicles and ground unmanned systems.

In addition, the facility to be built in Poland will be used as a hub in Europe for the sale and maintenance of Hyundai Rotem's tanks and armored vehicles.

[139] The government ultimately selected the Leopard 2A7, citing a close and established relationship with the German manufacturer as well as similar tanks being used by other European countries as deciding factors.