The South Korean K21 Next Infantry Fighting Vehicle (NIFV), was developed in South Korea to replace the ageing KIFV. Development commenced in 1999. Eventually the new IFV was adopted as the K-21. Its production started in 2008 and approximately 900 vehicles were planned to be built. First vehicles were fielded in 2009. The K-21 is superior to most of the current IFVs in many respects. It also costs twice cheaper to build this vehicle comparing with the M2 Bradley IFV. It was expected that this armored vehicle will have some export success due to its low price.
The K-21 is lighter comparing with most modern IFVs, as it was designed using composite materials to save weight wherever possible. Composition of the K-21 armor is still secret. It is assumed that this IFV has multi-layer armor with glass fiber, ceramic and aluminum alloy. It is known that front arc provides protection against 30 mm armor-piercing rounds. All-round protection is against 14.5 mm armor-piercing rounds. Vehicle is also fitted with automatic fire suppression and NBC protection systems. The K-21 can be also fitted with active protection system, similar to that used on the South Korean K2 Black Panther main battle tank.
As far as the main drawback of the KIFV was a weak armament, the K-21 comes with a much more substantial Bofors XK 40 mm cannon. This cannon is combined with advanced fire control system for better fire accuracy. Such fire control systems are usually fond on the latest main battle tanks. It fires anti-tank, HE-FRAG, smoke and multi-purpose ammunition. The K-21 also carries two indigenously developed ATGW launchers, but exact details and number of missiles carried are unknown. There is also a 7.62 mm machine gun. Overall the K-21 has significant anti-armor capability. It can easily defeat enemy armored personnel carriers and infantry fighting vehicles. It also poses significant threat to main battle tanks.
Vehicle is operated by a crew of 3. The K-21 can carry up to 9 fully equipped troops. Troops enter and leave the vehicle via a rear power-operated ramp with integral doors. Also there are roof hatches for firing and emergency exit.The K-21 infantry fighting vehicle has a great degree of advanced high-tech systems used including battle management system, internal navigation, vehicular information systems and identification system which recognizes friend and foe vehicles.
Vehicle is powered by a South Korean Doosan D2848LXE turbocharged diesel engine, developing 680 hp. This infantry fighting vehicle has a hydro-pneumatic suspension and advanced running gear. The K21 IFV is fully amphibious with minimum of preparation. It uses automatic built-in flotation bags in order to stay afloat. These floatation bags are activated, before entering the water. On water this armored vehicle is propelled by its tracks. Speed on water is 6 km/h. This allows the K-21 IFV to cross lakes and rivers.
In 2013 a light tank prototype, based on the K-21 has been revealed. It was fitted with a Cockerill XC-8 lightweight concept turret, armed with a choice of 105 mm or 120 mm gun. This light tank was jointly developed by CMI Defence of Belgium and Doosan DST of South Korea. The combination of the K-21 IFV chassis with belgian turret resulted in a highly mobile vehicle with significant direct fire capability. Due to its lighter weight this light tank is more strategically and tactically mobile, comparing with main battle tanks.
In around 2014 another light tank based on the K-21 chassis, the K21-105, has been revealed. It was developed by the same companies, but is fitted with a CT-CV 105HP turret, armed with a 105 mm gun.
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K21 Infantry Fighting Vehicle | SOUTH KOREAN TROOP TRANSPORT
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