ROK Army gains cutting-edge firepower with new mortar carriers, light machine guns
This photo shows an example of the KSM120 120mm mortar carrier destined for the ROK Army. (Photo: Gordon Arthur)
South Korea's procurement agency has approved or implemented a variety of programmes, including counter-battery radars, rocket launchers, light machine guns and mortar carriers.
Self-propelled mortar carriers and light machine guns are among the new equipment reaching the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA).
Late last year, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) signed a contract with Hanwha Aerospace for a second batch of KSM120 120mm mortar carriers.
The ‘follow-up series production’ contract, signed on 26 December 2022, was worth KRW584 billion ($470.7 million) for the K200-based mortar carriers and associated fire direction centre vehicles. Production will run through till 2025.
Hanwha handed over the first batch of 120mm mortar carriers to the ROKA in January 2022. After passing final field trials, it was
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![US DoD task force’s DroneHunter acquisition lays groundwork for Replicator 2 CUAS strategy]()
US DoD task force’s DroneHunter acquisition lays groundwork for Replicator 2 CUAS strategy
As the US Department of Defense looks to counter the growing threat of uncrewed aerial systems to improve homeland security, the DroneHunter acquisition could point to future commercial innovation.
-
![Layered protection: How air defence is adapting to rising drone and missile threats (podcast)]()
Layered protection: How air defence is adapting to rising drone and missile threats (podcast)
A surge in aerial threats – from advanced missiles to low-cost drones – is reshaping the way militaries approach air defence, driving demand for flexible, multi-layered solutions.
-
![UK agrees parallel development and production process for British Army Challenger 3]()
UK agrees parallel development and production process for British Army Challenger 3
In a bid to accelerate delivery of the British Army’s Challenger 3 main battle tank, which has just carried out its first crewed firings with the latest Rheinmetall 120mm L55A1 smoothbore gun, the UK has opted for an unconventional approach.
