South Korean defence industry demonstrates its tech prowess
Hanwha Aerospace has ambitious plans for the K9 155mm howitzer family, including an optionally manned K9A3 version. (Photo: Gordon Arthur)
Shephard takes a deep dive into the latest developments in the South Korean defence sector as the country arms itself to deal with current and future threats.
The Republic of Korea Army (ROKA) has recently showcased numerous new items of kit including four new weapon systems: the Light Armed Helicopter from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI); the containerised 20kW Cheongwang (Sky Light) Laser Anti-Air Weapon Block I from Hanwha Defense; Korean Tactical Surface-to-Surface Missile (KTSSM-I) Ure (Thunder) and 230mm unguided rocket from Hanwha Aerospace.
Meanwhile, the Barracuda 4x4 armoured vehicle, M18 57mm recoilless rifle and M45 Quadmount towed air defence system have all recently been retired by the force.
Many of the country’s defence firms were out in force at the inaugural Korea Army International Defence Industry
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![Western Europe is looking to refresh its APC/IFV fleets with potential $41 billion spend]()
Western Europe is looking to refresh its APC/IFV fleets with potential $41 billion spend
As militaries across Western Europe continue to modernise their capabilities, there are some major potential opportunities in the requirement for armoured personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles.
-
![US Army orders more upgraded Bradleys as transformation threatens other programmes]()
US Army orders more upgraded Bradleys as transformation threatens other programmes
Compared to previous versions of the vehicle, the Bradley M2A4 upgrade includes an uprated suspension, a more powerful engine, an independent commander’s sight, a more capable electronic architecture and improved networking capabilities.
-
![De-Risking the Future: Manufacturing Certainty for Unmanned Systems]()
De-Risking the Future: Manufacturing Certainty for Unmanned Systems
How strategic manufacturing partnership solves the industrialisation triad — Scale, Compliance and Cost — for hyper-growth defence tech innovators.
-
![Battlefield mobility, made in the UK]()
Battlefield mobility, made in the UK
How does Britain ensure that we can preserve the lives of our soldiers and allies – now and in the future – with homegrown innovation and resilient domestic manufacturing? At Pearson Engineering, we are proud to be a central part of the answer to this increasingly important question.
