Hyundai Rotem Delivers Initial Batch of Obstacle-Clearing Tanks to the Army

Hyundai Rotem Obstacle-Clearing Tank
[Photo by Hyundai Rotem]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] Hyundai Rotem announced on the 30th that it has delivered the initial mass production units of the obstacle-clearing tank to the Army.

The obstacle-clearing tanks delivered this time are the initial units of the mass production project Hyundai Rotem won in December last year, and they are scheduled to be fully deployed by 2023 after field operation tests at military units.

The obstacle-clearing tank, developed for about four years since Hyundai Rotem was selected as the system development contractor in 2014, is the first tank of its kind to be introduced domestically. The obstacle-clearing tank plays a role in wartime by removing mines and various obstacles at the front lines and securing mobility routes to support the rapid operation of mechanized units.

The obstacle-clearing tanks delivered this time demonstrate excellent performance in areas with large numbers of mines, such as the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), based on their mine removal capabilities. Especially during the summer monsoon season, when swept-away mines pose increased risks to nearby residents and soldiers, the deployment of obstacle-clearing tanks is expected to enhance safety near the DMZ.

The obstacle-clearing tank removes anti-personnel and anti-tank mines using a mine-clearing plow mounted on the front of the hull and can also neutralize magnetic mines by emitting magnetic fields with its magnetic mine neutralization equipment. Additionally, the excavator arm attached to the top of the hull can be equipped with excavation kits or crushers to remove various obstacles such as trenches and barriers. The excavator arm can also be used as a crane to lift and transport heavy equipment.

A Hyundai Rotem official stated, “We will ensure meticulous process and quality management so that the deployment of the country’s first obstacle-clearing tank proceeds smoothly,” adding, “By securing deployment achievements of the obstacle-clearing tank, we will diversify our defense portfolio alongside existing products such as the K2 tank and wheeled armored vehicles.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.