{
  "id": 543927,
  "title": "Korea to upgrade key battle tank, anti-ship missile programs: arms agency",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/korea-to-upgrade-key-battle-tank-anti-ship-missile-programs-arms",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-11T07:52:03.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Korea Times",
    "slug": "the-korea-times",
    "url": "https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/defense/20260811/korea-to-upgrade-key-battle-tank-anti-ship-missile-programs-arms-agency"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "South Korea intends to enhance its key Army battle tank and anti-ship missile programs, according to the arms agency. The objective is to strengthen military capabilities against evolving enemy threats. For the K2 main battle tank, the project will cost 3.43 trillion won (approximately $2.43 billion) and will involve outfitting the tanks with a sophisticated active protection system (APS). The APS will use radar to automatically detect and neutralize incoming anti-tank missiles and drones, providing a \"smart shield\" capability. Other upgrades include a drone and improvised explosive device (IED) jammer to disrupt enemy radio signals, and a remote-controlled weapons station (RCWS) that allows the crew to safely aim and fire from within the armored vehicle. The K2 upgrade program is scheduled to run from 2028 to 2046, with the upgraded tanks expected to enter service in 2033. Additionally, the agency plans to launch an upgrade project for the new Haesong-II long-range anti-ship missile, which aims to double its strike range. This project is backed by a more powerful engine and advanced guidance systems.",
  "summary": "Korea plans to upgrade a key Army battle tank and an anti-ship missile program for the Navy in an effort to boost military capabilities against evolving enemy threats, the arms agency said Tuesday. It will launch a 3.43 trillion-won ($2.43 billion) project to upgrade the K2 main battle tank to be equipped with an active protection system (APS) to intercept anti-tank missiles and drones, a drone…",
  "key_points": [
    "South Korea plans to upgrade its K2 battle tanks with active protection system.",
    "K2 upgrade program costs 3.43 trillion won, to be completed by 2046.",
    "Haesong-II missile upgrade aims to double strike range with advanced systems."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Yonhap News",
        "title": "S. Korea to upgrade key battle tank, anti-ship missile programs: arms agency",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/s-korea-to-upgrade-key-battle-tank-anti-ship-missile-programs-arms",
        "published": "2026-08-11T07:02:36.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Korea Times",
        "title": "Korea to upgrade key battle tank, anti-ship missile programs: arms agency",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/11/korea-to-upgrade-key-battle-tank-anti-ship-missile-programs-arms-544876",
        "published": "2026-08-11T08:07:02.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}