This futuristic tank even includes a drone that can be deployed from the roof

No, the futuristic-looking tank you’re looking at is not a prop from a Hollywood movie set, nor a clip from a video game. Rather, it is Hyundai’s vision for a next-generation main battle tank, which will ultimately use a complex hydrogen fuel cell powertrain. This could very well be the future of war.

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen this intriguing tank. Officially dubbed the main battle tank, but also known as the K3, its concept was first created. revealed 12 months ago at the Seoul International Aerospace and Design Exhibition. It has since been presented by Hyundai Rotem – the automaker’s heavy industrial company – at several other events in Korea and Europe.

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Visually, there is no way to confuse this tank with any others. The exterior is clad in honeycomb-shaped panels and it would be a perfect fit for Halo. Thin LED headlights are visible and there’s an absolutely massive 130mm smoothbore main gun. The body is made from modular steel, ceramic and composite armor and is expected to arrive on the battlefield with autonomous driving functions.

Last year it was suggested that the K3 could be entirely unmanned and controlled exclusively by a remote operator, but current reports suggest it can actually support a crew of three. It can also deploy drones, which could prove very useful in reconnaissance missions. Hyundai Rotem claims that radar-absorbing paint has been used to ensure the K3 avoids detection.

Korea military currently uses a tank known as the K2 Black Panther, equipped with a 1,500 hp 12-cylinder diesel engine. The K3 could initially also be produced with a diesel engine, but it will be supplemented by a hydrogen fuel cell. When moving forward, the tank can only pass hydrogen energy. This would only help the environment, but would reduce the tank’s heat signature, making it harder for opponents to spot.

As compelling as K3 is, it is still far from reaching reality. In fact, the development is not expected to be completed until 2030 and the Korean military may not deploy it until 2040.