Hanwha Aerospace and Cendana Auto Partner to Upgrade Malaysian K200 IFV’s.

South Korea's defense giant, Hanwha Aerospace, has partnered with Malaysian special vehicle manufacturer Cendana Auto to undertake a significant modernization of the Malaysian Army's aging K200 tracked infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). These vehicles, which have been in service for over three decades, are set to be upgraded under a new agreement signed by the two companies in early August 2024.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The Malaysian Army acquired approximately 111 K200 IFVs from South Korea in the 1990s, with an additional batch of upgraded K200A1 vehicles delivered later (Picture source: USAG/Humphreys)

This collaboration represents a key step for Hanwha Aerospace in its efforts to strengthen its position as a global defense supplier. The company highlighted its capacity to manage a wide range of defense-related activities, including arms development, manufacturing, component supply, as well as maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO).

The Malaysian Army acquired approximately 111 K200 IFVs from South Korea in the 1990s, with an additional batch of upgraded K200A1 vehicles delivered later. These vehicles, designed by South Korea, offer a combination of mobility, protection, and firepower, equipped with an improved powerpack, enhanced armor, and protections against nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) threats in the A1 version.

The K200 is capable of transporting troops while providing fire support through its integrated weapon systems, including a 12.7mm machine gun, and potentially a remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS) in upgraded models. The vehicle's tracked design enhances its mobility across various terrains, and the Malaysian Army continues to operate these vehicles, with plans to further upgrade them to maintain their operational relevance.

Under the agreement, Hanwha Aerospace and Cendana Auto will work together to select a prototype vehicle for initial upgrades, which will then undergo rigorous testing and evaluation. Following successful verification, the modernization program will extend to all K200 vehicles currently in service with the Malaysian Army. This initiative aims to improve the operational capabilities of the K200 fleet, ensuring these IFVs remain effective on the modern battlefield.

The Malaysian Army is the only export customer of the K200, having received around 111 vehicles from South Korea in the 1990s. The army later acquired an additional batch of upgraded K200A1 IFVs, featuring an improved powerpack, reinforced armor, and NBC protection. The current modernization initiative is viewed as a continuation of efforts to keep the fleet operational.

The signing of the partnership agreement was witnessed by the Secretary General of Malaysia’s Ministry of Defence (MINDEF), Datuk Seri Isham Bin Ishak. This agreement builds on South Korea's previously expressed interest in collaborating with Malaysia to upgrade its K200 IFV fleet, a topic discussed during the Defence Services Asia exhibition in Kuala Lumpur in May 2024. During that event, South Korea's Defense Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA) Minister, Seok Jong-gun, emphasized Seoul's desire to enhance defense logistics cooperation with Malaysia.

This initiative follows recent successes by South Korea in Malaysia, including the Royal Malaysian Air Force’s (RMAF) decision to acquire 18 FA-50 Block 20 aircraft from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) in a deal exceeding $800 million.

Hanwha Aerospace and Cendana Auto had previously presented a model of the proposed upgraded K200 IFV during the DSA 2024 exhibition. The planned upgrades include the integration of new day/thermal optics, a remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS), and an enhanced powerpack. While Hanwha Aerospace has not disclosed specific products to be integrated, the company confirmed that the actual work under the contract will be carried out by Cendana Auto, headquartered in Putrajaya.

Malaysia’s Ministry of Defence expressed confidence that the contract and associated technology transfers will bolster the country's armored vehicle MRO capabilities. Although Hanwha Aerospace did not disclose the financial value of the agreement, the company indicated that work would begin immediately, with a timeline to be determined following sufficient testing processes.