South Korea unveils its Next Generation Main Battle Tank concept by Hyundai Rotem


The South Korean company Hyundai Rotem unveils the Next Generation of Main Battle Tank (NGMBT) using new technologies of mobility, firepower, and protection. The design of the new NG MBT seems very similar to the Polish PL-01 that was unveiled in 2013 during the international defense exhibition MSPO.
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A scale model of the Next Generation Main Battle Tank was unveiled by the South Korean company Hyundai Rotem during Eurosatory, International Defense Exhibition, June 2022. (Picture source Army Recognition)


The layout of the Hyundai Rotem Next Generation of Main Battle Tank (NG MBT) is conventional for a modern MBT with the driver position at the front in the middle of the hull and a turret located at the rear of the hull. It has a crew of three including a driver, commander, and gunner. The vehicle will be operated in manned or unmanned conditions.

The NG MBT is based on a capsule-type crew compartment allowing the use of the tank under extreme conditions with maximum ballistic and mine protection. The hull of the tank also offers high level of protection using passive and active armor. The tank will be also fitted with an APS (Active Protection System) to defeat attacks of guided missiles or rocket-propelled grenades on 360° around the vehicle as well as an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) detecting and defeating system. Each side of the turret will be also fitted with smoke grenade dischargers.

The NG MBT will be designed to carry a 130mm smoothbore gun. It will have stealth capabilities thanks to the integration of all second armament inside the turret which can be erected to perform all the firing operations. The second armament includes a laser gun as well as anti-tank guided missile launchers.

The NG MBT will have a combat weight of 55 tons and will be powered by a Diesel engine allowing the tank to reach a maximum road speed of 70 km/h and 50 km/h in off-road conditions with a maximum cruising range of 500 km. The suspension will use rubber track technology.

Standard equipment of the NG MBT will include the latest generation of communication and observation equipment to conduct combat operations during day and night and in all weather conditions. It will be also fitted with C5ISR, command, control, computer, cyber information, surveillance, reconnaissance, and high-speed communication systems.


South Korea unveils its Next Generation Main Battle Tank concept by Hyundai Rotem 925 002
Close-view of the turret of the Next Generation Main Battle Tank armed with the 130mm smoothbore gun, laser weapon, and anti-tank guided missile. (Picture source Army Recognition).