×

Maintenance Repair & Overhaul Space Air Cargo

Home- Stories

Even though Hanwha continues production of the K21 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) for the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA), the conglomerate has already turned its attention to a next-generation replacement.

Hanwha Proposes Next-Generation IFV for South Korea’s Army

: Oct 18, 2023 - : 12:04 am

Even though Hanwha continues production of the K21 infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) for the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA), the conglomerate has already turned its attention to a next-generation replacement.

Despite trialling the AS21 Redback ordered by the Australian Army, the ROKA decided against that particular platform. Instead, it has its sights set on the so-called new-generation K-NIFV, with official development set to commence next year and the whole project likely to take about 6-7 years.

This K-NIFV weighing around 45 tonnes will feature a 40mm CTA cannon and antitank missiles in an optionally manned/unmanned turret. It will also have an active protection system and a remote-controlled weapon station on the turret top.

Propulsion will come via a diesel-electric hybrid unit. Also integrated in the design will be a UAV that is operated from within the armoured vehicle. The core crew will comprise three personnel, but it is unclear how many dismounts will be accommodated.

Hanwha Aerospace also has other K21-based vehicles in the pipeline. First off the rank is a rubber-tracked K-CEV combat engineer vehicle. This is based on the K21 but with numerous improvements, including an upgraded steel hull with STANAG Level 6 protection front and sides, and Level 3 mine protection.

The K-CEV is slated to be ready by the end of 2025, after which it will undergo six months of trials and then eventually enter ROKA service. It will carry a tracked explosive ordnance disposal robot capable of detecting mines thanks to a ground penetrating radar. Development of this 1.5m-long robot was completed in August, and series production will commence in 2025.

Army combat engineers in armoured divisions possess the K600 CEV, but infantry divisions have no protected way of clearing minefields. Thus, also proposed in the same family is a mine-clearing version that carries twin line charges, a mine plough or dozer blade.

MORE NEWS

Headquartered in Singapore with reporters spread across all major regions, GBP Aerospace & Defence is a leading media house that publishes three publications that serve the aerospace and defence sector - Asian Defence Technology, Asian Airlines & Aerospace and Daily News. Known industry-wide for quality journalism, GBP Aerospace & Defence is present at more international tradeshows and exhibitions than any other competing publication in the region.
For over three decades, our award-winning team of reporters has been producing top-notch content to help readers stay abreast of the latest developements in the field of commercial aviation, MRO, defence, and Space.

Popular Posts

Copyright 2023. GBP. All Rights Reserved.

Home Defence & Security Space Commercial Aviation Maintence Repair & Overhaul Daily News Events About Us

z-index: 9999; /* Ensure the ad is on top of other elements */