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
-
![UK artillery factory opens as defence review inches forward]()
UK artillery factory opens as defence review inches forward
The new artillery and howitzer factory pre-dates the emphasis on this capability from this month’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR). The first joint industry-government meeting outlined in the review took place this week.
-
![Italy begins hunt for Puma replacement]()
Italy begins hunt for Puma replacement
The Italian Army operates Pumas in 6×6 and 4×4 configurations but the platforms are ageing and numbers have fallen with obsolescence also being an issue. Any replacement is likely to have a focus on the involvement of local industry.
-
![Orders roll in for VAMTAC tactical vehicles as first is delivered to New Zealand]()
Orders roll in for VAMTAC tactical vehicles as first is delivered to New Zealand
The VAMTAC (Vehículo de Alta Movilidad Táctico or High Mobility Tactical Vehicle) 4×4 by Urovesa is in service with or has been ordered by eight countries, the most recent being Spain this month and Romania last month.
-
![Precision Strike Missile engine successfully tested from M270A2 launcher]()
Precision Strike Missile engine successfully tested from M270A2 launcher
Lockheed Martin’s Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) is a next-generation surface-to-surface missile with the solid rocket motor (SRM) provided by Northrop Grumman. The company is working to boost its SRM production capability.
-
![CV90 user group signs agreement to improve procurement and commonality]()
CV90 user group signs agreement to improve procurement and commonality
The CV90 is in service with or ordered by ten countries. The agreement between six of these countries is designed to create commonality to provide economies of scale and a reduced training burden.
