Localisation is the aim of the game in defence procurement
Defence buyers globally are increasingly looking to tie domestic manufacturing and technology transfer into deals.
South Korea’s military has been using the 5.56mm K3 light machine gun since its induction in 1989, but its manufacturer is currently developing a new evolution of the original design.
S&T Motiv, the primary manufacturer of small arms for the Republic of Korea (ROK) Armed Forces, showed two versions of the new 5.56mm weapon that has not yet received any official nomenclature – they were simply described as a general-purpose light machine gun and a special-purpose design of shorter length.
Hyun-Wook Cho, manager of special business marketing at S&T Motiv, told Shephard that South Korean soldiers use the K3 as
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Defence buyers globally are increasingly looking to tie domestic manufacturing and technology transfer into deals.
This month we saw a major presence from Turkish, Russian and Chinese companies at the World Defense Show with new vehicles from major suppliers, while elsewhere there were evolving mortar programmes and artillery modernisation efforts.
A growing push towards increasing mobility and lethality across forces can be seen in recent contracts and modernisation efforts, with advancing mortar technology playing an integral role in modern warfare.
As Ireland looks to replace its RG32M 4x4 armoured patrol vehicles and Piranha III 8x8 armoured personnel carriers, a reported deal with France would rule out other European platforms that were being considered.
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.
Project Stokes could see a new 120mm mortar capability enter British service, with domestic production and international partnerships central to competing bids.