Adex 2017: K21-105 Medium Tank showcased by Hanwha.

Hanwha Defense Systems showcases a new variant of its K21 with a 105mm gun at 2017 Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition at Seoul Airport (Seoul Airbase), Republic of Korea, Oct. 17-22, 2017

Following announcement of Hanwha Defense Systems made on June 17 2016 that it has signed a 7.5 million euro (US$ 8.4 million) gun turret supply deal with CMI Defence at the Eurosatory defense exposition. CMI Defence is a Belgium based military equipment maker that specializes in weapons systems for armored vehicles. Under the contract, Hanwha will be supplied with 105 mm gun turret, which will then be used in building light infantry fighting vehicle based on the K21. The K21-based vehicle will be designed solely for export, Hanwha Defense said. Hanwha Defense, formerly known as Doosan DST, has been showcasing infantry fighting vehicles built with CMI Defence products in recent years at international shows to analyze the market. According to Hanwha Defense chief Shin Hyun-woo, the global market has higher demand for infantry fighting vehicles than for tanks. He added that the company plans to combine CMI Defence’s turret with the K21 to design a new model for exports.

The K-21 or NIFV (Next Infantry Fighting Vehicle) was developed in South Korea by Doosan to replace the old KIFV. The K-21, whose development began in late 1999 in the hope of strengthening the Korean military’s combat capability, entered into mass production this year after the operation, evaluation, and testing of pilot products at field sites. Production of the new IFV commenced in 2008 and approximately 900 vehicles are planned to be built. The K-21 is significantly lighter comparing with most modern IFVs, as it was designed using composite materials to save weight wherever possible. The K-21 infantry fighting vehicle has a great degree of advanced high-tech systems used including battle management system, internal navigation, vehicular information systems and identification system which recognizes friend and enemy vehicles.