South Korea approves multiple projects including IFVs and missiles
South Korea will buy additional K21 infantry fighting vehicles for its army (Gordon Arthur)
Seven disparate South Korean development and acquisition programmes for the country’s military were approved during the 143rd meeting of the Defense Acquisition Program Committee on 26 April.
Headlining the approvals were decisions to procure additional K21 infantry fighting vehicles (IFV) and develop the Korean Tactical Surface-to-Surface Missile-II (KTSSM-II).
A budget of KRW830 billion ($658 million) has been approved for more K21s to help replace the older K200A1 fleet of APCs, which numbers approximately 2,400.
These vehicles form the backbone of the Republic of Korea Army’s (ROKA) manoeuvre corps, and the extra IFVs will help complete their reorganisation and add firepower.
The
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
Estonia opts for smart, adaptable and cooperative solutions in the face of Russian threat
Estonian-made equipment is being put through the toughest of evaluations in the hands of Ukrainian soldiers resisting the full-scale Russian invasion which began in 2022. The country has long seen the threat and is continuing to adapt for the future.
-
Estonia boosting defence industry with lessons from Ukraine, says country’s economic minister
Estonia is looking to boost its local defence industry with directed funding, industry parks, support through international orders for equipment and rapid prototyping.
-
UK faces cost of balancing defensive capabilities abroad as Iran conflict widens
The UK has recently deployed a Type 45 destroyer to Cyprus and has bolstered its presence in the Middle East in recent weeks with supporting air power to protect neighbouring countries’ air defences.
-
White House calls on Pentagon contractors to “rapidly and aggressively” boost weapon production
Intended to sustain Operation Epic Fury against Iran, efforts to increase the production of weapons and ammunition could expose long-standing weaknesses in the US defence industrial base.
-
India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict
The latest escalation between Iran and Israel could shape New Delhi’s next-generation shield as India deepens cooperation with Israel on missile defence and drone production.
-
Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?
The Pentagon spent a considerable number of THAAD and SM-3 rounds to defend against Iranian missiles in 2025 and has not fully replenished its reserves.