The K21-105 is a medium tank is jointly developed by CMI Defence of Belgium and Hanwha Defense of South Korea. The K21 infantry fighting vehicle fitted CMI Defence Cockerill CT-CV 105HP or 3105 two-man turret developed by CMI Defence is a Belgium based military equipment maker that specializes in weapons systems for armored vehicles. The K-21 is significantly lighter comparing with most modern infantry fighting vehicles, as it was designed using composite materials to save weight wherever possible. The K21-105 is being referred as medium tank by Hanwha Defense (formerly known as Doosan DST). However this armored machine weights around 27 tons, by current standards it is rather a light tank.
The main role of K21-105 Medium Tank is to support infantry. It is effective against armored and soft skin vehicles, buildings and fortifications. Also, it has the secondary anti-tank capability. This Medium Tank is cheaper and more strategically and tactically mobile comparing with Main battle Tanks. Also is cheaper to produce and to maintain compared with main battle tanks. The K21-105 may not be very effective against modern main battle tanks, unless attacking from ambush. However it is likely to defeat most widespread tanks that North Korea has. The Hanwha K21-105 Medium Tank with CMI Defence’s turret will be designed solely for export.
This light tank is armed with a fully-stabilized 105-mm rifled low-recoil gun. It fires all standard NATO 105-mm ammunition and also compatible with Falarick 105 gun-launched anti-tank missiles. It is used to engage heavily-armored vehicles at long ranges. This tank has a bustle-mounted automatic ammunition loading system. Maximum rate of fire is 8 rounds per minute. Ammunition is stored in the bustle compartment, that is separated from the crew. The gun can be elevated to 42°. This feature allows to adapt vehicle for urban and mountainous warfare. Also due to its elevation, this gun can fire in the same manner as howitzers (indirect range of fire is up to 10 km).
The K21-105 is operated by a crew of 3, including commander, gunner, and driver. Medium Tank powered by a turbocharged diesel engine, developing 750 hp. This engine is more powerful than that, used on the K-21 IFV. Vehicle has a hydropneumatic suspension and advanced running gear. The new tank retains its amphibious capability at full combat weight. Only minimum preparation is required in order to ford water obstacles. Automatic floatation bags are activated before entering the water. On water this tank is powered by its tracks.
