Hanwha Aerospace signed contact on August 2 with Malaysian special vehicle manufacturer Cendana Auto to enhance the performance of the K200A1 KIFV (Korea Infantry Fighting Vehicle) armored personnel carrier have been in service for more than 30 years. The only export sale of the KIFV was to Malaysia. Under the terms of the agreement, both companies will select a prototype for initial upgrades.
Following a verification period, the scope of enhancements will be expanded to include all K200A1 armored personnel carrier currently in service with the Malaysian military. This initiative represents a significant step for Hanwha Aerospace to bolster its reputation as a trusted and reliable defense suppliers in the global market by conducting all levels of activities from arms development & manufacturing to the supply of components, and even MRO services.
The K200 KIFV 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. South Korean conglomerate Hanwha Group purchased of Daewoo Heavy Industries, renaming it Hanwha Aerospace. A total of 2,383 K200 vehicles of all configurations were produced between 1985 and 2006, among which are 111 K200A1 armored personnel carriers exported to Malaysia.
Malaysian Army having received 111 K200A1 armored personnel carriers, an upgraded variant of the base K200, between 1993 and 1995. Known as the Malaysian Infantry Fighting Vehicle (MICV), these K200A1s are equipped with more powerful engines and transmissions, and are armed with 12.7mm guns, earning them the designation MIFV K200A1 12.7mm in the Malaysian Army. These vehicles were originally part of the 4th Company of the Royal Military Police Corps under the Fourth Mechanized Infantry Brigade.
