The new hydrogen-powered K3 has been developed in collaboration with Korea’s Agency for Defense Development and other national technology research institutions. Once operational, the tank is hoped to enter production as soon as 2040, making it the world’s first.
The hydrogen fuel cells will replace the K-series diesel engines. This will be done in steps, with the first prototypes featuring hybrid hydrogen and diesel engines. It is just the latest in a line of announcements from South Korea in its broader aim to transition its war machines away from combustion engines.