Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Minister Suh visited the test and evaluation site for K2 tank in Norway
Encouraged ROK Army’s tank operators and employees from Korean companies
Suh took part in the test and evaluation for K2 tank; identifying and hitting the target

On February 17, the Ministry of National Defense said in a statement that “Minister Suh, visiting overseas countries to strengthen mutual cooperation in the areas of defense and defense industry, visited the Rena Camp, where the winter test and evaluation for the Norwegian core tank project is being conducted, on February 16 (local time), and encouraged the ROK Army’s tank operators and employees from Korean companies.”

The ROK’s K2 tank and German new tank are in competition with each other at the Rena Camp, with the two vying to be chosen for the Norwegian core tank project. During the visit, Suh was accompanied by officers from Norway's defense ministry, including Chief of the General Bureau of Weapons Morten Tiller, and Chief of Ground Weapons Systems Oyvind Kvalvik.

After being briefed by an official from the Norwegian defense ministry on the progress of the winter test and evaluation, Suh took part in the test and evaluation, which was conducted in a harsh environment, with snowfall of over 70 centimeters. The test was conducted by having the K2 tank identify and fire at multiple targets simultaneously. The ministry said in a statement that the K2 tank has accurately hit every target with the minimum number of firings.

“This test and evaluation is significant, as it shows the ROK’s developed defense industry technologies to the world, and proves the excellent performance of the K2 tank as a leading weapon system, even in a harsh environment,” Suh stressed, adding that “the ministry will provide active support on a government level so that the K2 tank can be chosen as the Norwegian core tank.”

The winter test and evaluation, which started on January 31, is due to end at the end of this month. The ministry said in a statement that thus far the K2 tank has shown excellent performance in the mobility and firing test, one of the main test and evaluation items. After the winter test and evaluation, a contract of the Norwegian core tank project is due to be concluded at the end of this year after going through some negotiations, including on technology and price.

By Chae-Mu, Im <lims86@dema.mil.kr >

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