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
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Do heavy IFV designs make sense on the modern battlefield?]()
Do heavy IFV designs make sense on the modern battlefield?
Even with additional armour, many current-generation infantry fighting vehicles are highly vulnerable to enemy fire in the contemporary operating environment. Are heavier platforms based on tank designs for use in this role the answer?
-
![Uncrewed ground vehicles put to the test as NATO eyes autonomous shift]()
Uncrewed ground vehicles put to the test as NATO eyes autonomous shift
The European Land Robot Trials are influenced by NATO researchers seeking to create uncrewed ground vehicle standards for allied Western forces working in multinational task forces.
-
![Russia tries to keep BMP-3 relevant with new weapon options]()
Russia tries to keep BMP-3 relevant with new weapon options
New iterations of a 57mm gun system highlight a push towards multi-role turrets capable of countering armour, drones and aerial targets.
-
![More details revealed on Kosovo’s Humvee Hawkeye 105mm order]()
More details revealed on Kosovo’s Humvee Hawkeye 105mm order
The agreement points to growing international interest in mobile and survivable artillery systems, with further orders and export opportunities already emerging.
-
![UK Defence Investment Plan: What does it mean for the British Army?]()
UK Defence Investment Plan: What does it mean for the British Army?
The UK’s Defence Investment Plan splurges big for future air and naval programmes, including new hybrid ships, but there are fewer big-ticket items for British Army vehicles. Shephard’s Damian Kemp looks at the much delayed plan.
