Iraq’s possible purchase of 250 K2 Black Panther tanks could become one of the largest recent armored vehicle contracts on the international market.
Hyundai Rotem is in advanced negotiations with Baghdad as part of a modernization program aimed at replacing older armored vehicles, according to South Korean brokerage Kiwoom Securities. Although market expectations are that the deal, estimated at approximately US$ 6.5 billion, may become official this year, there is no official confirmation yet.
Iraq’s interest is part of Hyundai Rotem’s broader strategy to diversify its export markets beyond Poland, currently K2’s largest customer. The company is also in talks with Peru, Romania and Saudi Arabia; This reflects increasing international demand for ground combat systems originating from South Korea. These negotiations follow large-scale deliveries of the K2 to the Polish Army, which served as a showcase for the vehicle in the European market.
In the case of Peru, a framework agreement worth approximately US$ 2 billion was signed in December last year, covering the purchase of 54 K2 tanks and 141 wheeled armored vehicles. Romania, on the other hand, allocated approximately 7.6 billion US dollars for the program that foresees the supply of 216 new generation tanks; In this program, K2 is seen as one of the leading candidates against Western projects.
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Despite the positive outlook abroad, Kiwoom states that Hyundai Rotem faces cost pressures in the short term resulting from the initial phase of new contract production batches. However, as the assembly line stabilizes, these expenses are expected to decrease and the company will strengthen its presence in Europe, the Middle East and Latin America with the K2, equipped with a 120 mm gun, advanced fire control systems and active protection options for high-intensity operations.
🚨🇰🇷🇮🇶 Iraq Moves to Buy 250 K2 Tanks from South Korea.
Iraq is reviewing the acquisition of up to 250 K2 Black Panther main battle tanks from South Korea to replace aging armored vehicles.
Hyundai Rotem is also in talks with Peru, Romania, and Saudi Arabia for K2 tank exports,… pic.twitter.com/fW9gwcJ3Yn
— Defence Index (@Defence_Index) January 22, 2026
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