S. Korea to put K-2 combat tank into full service by 2017

The arms procurement agency said Wednesday it will complete the deployment of some 100 next-generation battle tanks fitted with an indigenous engine and transmission by 2017.

During a defense project committee meeting presided over by Defense Minister Han Min-koo, the government decided to deploy the K-2 Black Panther by the end of 2017, according to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).

The development of the advanced combat vehicle had been delayed after it repeatedly failed to meet the military's requirements due to faulty components. Despite some controversy, the Joint Chiefs of Staff lowered the bar for its acceleration performance, paving the way for its deployment.

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