South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) said it inked a deal with Hanwha Defense to maintain the military’s K242, K281 and K288 armored vehicles. It is promoting the ‘Electrification Equipment Follow-up Support Project’ in which a part of depot maintenance, which has been carried out as a power operation cost, is integrated into the defense capability improvement cost from 2022 to ensure stable operating conditions for weapon systems and increase the efficiency of defense budget expenditure. The contract valued around $16.1 million (23 billion won) aims to improve performance of these vehicles. It will be completed in 2024.
The K200 KIFV (Korea Infantry Fighting Vehicle) is a South Korean armored personnel carrier, originally produced by Daewoo Heavy Industries as a domestic replacement for older armored personnel carriers, such as the M113, in front line service with the Republic of Korea Armed Forces at the time of the K200’s development. The K200 series of vehicles transport mechanized infantry platoon is designed to keep personnel safe from small arms fire. Since 2009 the K200 has been supplemented by the K21. A total of 2,383 K200 vehicles of all configurations were produced between 1985 and 2006, among which are 111 K200A1 vehicles exported to Malaysia.
The hull of the KIFV is of all-welded aluminium armor with an additional layer of spaced laminate steel armor bolted to it. It provides protection against 12.7 mm rounds on the sides, 7.62 mm ammunition in the rear, larger shell splinter from the ground, and anti-personnel mines. The engine compartment is located at the front right of the vehicle and is separated from the remainder of the vehicle by a bulkhead. The engine compartment is fitted with a fire extinguishing system that can be operated by the driver or from outside the vehicle. The air inlet, air outlet louvers and the exhaust pipe are located on the roof of the vehicle to allow amphibious operations.
The K200 is highly modular, and its variants provide additional types of combat support such as air defense and vehicle recovery using specialized equipment. The APC can accommodate 12 people including one infantry squad, the driver, and gunners.
K242: Carries 4.2 inch mortar for fire support.
K281: Carries 81 mm mortar for fire support.
K288: Recovery vehicle. Rescues and repairs damaged military vehicles.
