South Korea introduces new weapons and trials UGVs
SNT Motiv is manufacuring the K16 7.62mm general-purpose machine gun for all services of the ROK military. (Gordon Arthur)
New machine guns, NBC detection vehicles and RWS are entering service in South Korea, and UGVs could eventually follow.
South Korea’s military began fielding a new 7.62mm general-purpose machine gun on 15 December 2021. Known as the K16, the weapon is manufactured by SNT Motiv (until recently known as S&T Motiv).
Three variants of the K16 (formerly referred to as the K12 by its maker) exist: the regular K16 for infantry use; the K16D mounted on vehicles and helicopters; and the K16E coaxial variant for AFVs.
All three services of the nation’s armed forces will have received the K16 by 2024.
The new 10.4kg weapon will gradually replace the M60 7.62mm machine gun and the K3 5.56mm light
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Land Warfare
-
![US Army plans Q2 prototype proposal request for its Mobile Tactical Cannon programme]()
US Army plans Q2 prototype proposal request for its Mobile Tactical Cannon programme
The US Army is seeking a mature 155mm, wheeled, self-propelled capability to replace the towed M777 howitzer in the Stryker, Mobile and Infantry Brigade Combat Teams as it targets a potential 498-unit acquisition goal.
-
![British Army’s Project Stokes 120mm mortar bids due in March 2026]()
British Army’s Project Stokes 120mm mortar bids due in March 2026
Project Stokes could see a new 120mm mortar capability enter British service, with domestic production and international partnerships central to competing bids.
-
![MKJ Warrior Series — The Nett Warrior Qualified Connector for Today’s Soldier Systems]()
MKJ Warrior Series — The Nett Warrior Qualified Connector for Today’s Soldier Systems
ITT Cannon’s MKJ Warrior connectors are designed for the harshest environments, delivering mission critical comms, navigation and USB data/power.
-
![World Defense Show 2026: Hanwha increases Middle East presence and reveals Tigon 6x6 sale]()
World Defense Show 2026: Hanwha increases Middle East presence and reveals Tigon 6x6 sale
Shephard sat down with Hanwha Middle East and Africa president Sung Il at World Defense Show 2026 to hear about the company’s plans for the region and how it plans to use local industry success to win deals.
