South Korea`s project to mass produce the next-generation K2 battle tank has been further delayed after its engine failed durability tests, causing damage to the nation’s defense modernization scheme as well as the industry.

According to defense industry sources on Wednesday, 30 K2 tanks that were originally scheduled to be delivered in December last year and June cannot be deployed because the key parts have not met quality standards.

In 2014, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) decided to localize the tank’s powertrain system, requiring Korean parts developers to meet durability targets of 320 hours or 9,600 km of use. Hyundai Rotem and its suppliers started development in May 2015. While most other tests have been completed, the original full rate production came to a halt as a series of technical problems were detected in the engine and transmission called “power pack.”

The power pack gearbox developed by S&T Dynamics had caused trouble six times since its durability test began in January of last year. The testing was put on hold in February and the entire project has come to stop since then.

Under the DAPA’s original plan, the first batch of 20 K2 tanks should have been delivered by December of last year and 10 others by June of this year.

Dozens of tank bodies already produced are ready for delivery from Hyundai Rotem’s Changwon plant. The stockpile of parts associated with K2 tanks already manufactured at Hyundai Rotem’s 119 suppliers is valued at 100 billion won ($88.13 million) as of June.

The DAPA says that mechanical integrity in the use of transmission for 9,600 km travel is a prerequisite for delivery. But S&T Dynamics argues it is technically impossible to meet the requirement, saying “no company can complete the task to drive 9,600 km without any durability issues.”

By Park Chang-young

[ⓒ Pulse by Maeil Business Newspaper & mk.co.kr, All rights reserved]