South Korea's upgraded EVO-105 105mm self-propelled howitzer ready for mass production 22806171

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Defence & Security News - South Korea
 
 
South Korea's upgraded EVO-105 105mm self-propelled howitzer ready for mass production

South Korea said Wednesday it has completed the development of an upgraded variant of the EVO-105 105 mm howitzer featuring increased agility and automated firing control. The Defense Acquisition Program Administration, the country's arms procurement agency, launched a project in 2015 to develop the evolved 105 mm howitzer in partnership with Hanhwa Techwin, a local defense firm.

     

South Korea's upgraded EVO-105 105 mm self propelled howitzer
(Credit: DAPA)
     
"It was assessed as fit for combat by meeting all required operational capabilities in a recent test," DAPA said. "Accordingly, mass-production will begin in 2018 for use by our military units."

It uses an automated fire control system and an advanced GPS device, enhancing the shoot-and-scoot capability.

The number of operating personnel will be reduced to five from nine for each existing 105 mm towed howitzer.

The EVO-105 self propelled artillery system combines an M101 and A Kia KM500 6x6 truck chassis. The first version was unveiled in 2011.

The sides of the EVO-105 are protected with armour plates, and the crew compartment provides a protection against firing of small arms and artillery shell splinters. The EVO-105 is able to be quickly in firing position and the first round can be fired in less than 1 minute.

A 12.7mm machine gun can be mounted on the top crew cabin as secondary weapon.

(Source: Yonhap)