South Korea has begun exporting a domestically developed engine for its K2 Black Panther main battle tank, ending long-standing dependence on German powerplants. The DV27K, a 1,500-horsepower diesel engine developed by the Agency for Defense Development and HD Hyundai Construction Equipment, replaces the German MTU engine that previously restricted exports. With full export authority now in Seoul’s hands, South Korea has secured engine supply contracts for Poland’s K2 fleet and Turkey’s Altay tank program. After overcoming technical challenges through extensive testing, the DV27K now meets performance requirements across extreme temperatures and high-vibration conditions.
