Iraq’s possible purchase of 250 K2 Black Panther tanks could become one of the largest recent armored vehicle deals on the international market.
Hyundai Rotem is in advanced negotiations with Baghdad as part of a modernization program to replace older armored vehicles, according to South Korean brokerage Kiwoom Securities. Market expectations indicate that the deal, estimated to be worth around $6.5 billion, could be formalized by the end of the year, although no official confirmation has yet been given.
The Iraqi interest is part of a broader strategy by Hyundai Rotem to diversify its export destinations beyond Poland, currently the K2’s main customer. The company is also holding discussions with Peru, Romania and Saudi Arabia, reflecting growing international demand for South Korean land combat systems. These negotiations come after large-scale deliveries of the K2 to the Polish army, which served as a showcase for the vehicle on the European market.
In the case of Peru, a framework agreement was already signed last December for the purchase of 54 K2 tanks and 141 wheeled armored vehicles, in a package valued at around $2 billion. Romania, for its part, has set aside nearly $7.6 billion for a new generation tank program involving the acquisition of 216 units, with the K2 among the main competitors against Western projects.
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Despite a positive overseas outlook, Kiwoom points out that Hyundai Rotem faces short-term cost pressures due to the initial production phase of the new contracted batches. Expectations remain, however, that these expenses will decline as the assembly line stabilizes, allowing the company to consolidate its presence in Europe, the Middle East and Latin America with the K2, equipped with a 120 mm cannon, 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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