K200 KIFV#Variants#Tracked

File:Malaysian Army K-200 KIFV on display (2024).jpg

The K200 project began in 1981 when the Republic of Korea Army issued a request for a new Korean Infantry Fighting Vehicle (KIFV) to meet future combat requirements. The Agency for Defense Development was in charge of its development, and Daewoo Heavy Industries was the prime contractor for the production of this vehicle. The K200 was designed to be an amphibious personnel carrier that could cross shallow rivers, based on the concept of the American Armored Infantry Fighting Vehicle. The AIFV itself was based on the M113 armored personnel carrier. The vehicle was developed to be more affordable than the AIFV, but not necessarily sacrificing capability, to gain an edge in cost-effectiveness. The eventual domestic development and production of the K200 achieved a price range of US$1.32-1.41 million as opposed to the $1.52-2.83 million price range that a license-production or direct importation of the AIFV would have entailed.{{cite web|url=https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:BT8uBaCGtfwJ:www.forecastinternational.com/samples/F651_CompleteSample.pdf+Market+for+Light+Tracked+Vehicles&hl=en&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESh6qEtW32qtwz70Ezmz93m2U439RLRnARqoo677h9e88aNWjeQrf8-Y3TEdsJc8nV2AKIvnoI0nB5hOhf34CjcN9dkSgmaKIxcFG6g42V3Cgu7PdymAzuAOarDdxV208Wln1He_&sig=AHIEtbQCu52pDPgoyujGZoGVHlC-e-GIQg|title=The Market for Light Tracked Vehicles (2009~2018)|publisher=ForecastInternational}}

Doosan incorporated the MAN D2848T engine into the K200 under a license-production deal and assimilated its technology using domestic components,{{cite web|date=2011-10-18|title=Doosan Korean Infantry Fighting Vehicle (KIFV)|url=http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-Armour-and-Artillery/Doosan-Korean-Infantry-Fighting-Vehicle-KIFV-Korea-South.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120908115304/http://articles.janes.com/articles/Janes-Armour-and-Artillery/Doosan-Korean-Infantry-Fighting-Vehicle-KIFV-Korea-South.html|archive-date=2012-09-08|website=Jane's}} a reverse-engineering experience that would prove instrumental in the development of its next IFV, the K21. S&T Dynamics was the licensee subcontractor for the Allison Transmission X200-5K gearbox.{{cite web|title=S&T Dynamics Defence Industry Mobile Equipment X200-5K|url=http://www.hisntd.com/|url-status=dead|publisher=S&T Dynamics|access-date=24 December 2010|archive-date=11 May 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110511155635/http://www.hisntd.com/}}{{Update inline|date=August 2021|reason=The information on the cited website for the preceding reference no longer clearly indicates what was cited, or it never did.}} The vehicle entered production in 1985.{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/rok/kifv.htm|title=Korean Infantry Fighting Vehicle|publisher=GlobalSecurity}} Serial production was completed in 2006.

In October 2017, Hanwha unveiled an internally-funded upgrade project that would turn the K200 into a modular, multi-purpose vehicle. The design involves stretching the chassis and adding a road wheel for six pairs and removing the back section to create a flat cargo bed to fit various modules that can be swapped out for different missions; initial configurations include modules to act as an ambulance, fuel tanker, minelayer, and communications platform. With ROK Army approval, the company could fully mature the project in two years.[https://armyrecognition.com/adex_2017_online_show_daily_news/adex_2017_hanwha_unveils_k200_multi_pupose_vehicle_upgrade_plan.html Hanwha Unveils K200 Multi Purpose Vehicle Upgrade Plan] - Armyrecognition.com, 22 October 2017{{Update inline|date=August 2021}}

The K200 series of vehicles transport mechanized infantry platoon is designed to keep personnel safe from small arms fire.{{cite web|url=http://www.doosan.com/doosandst/en/cp_pdf/KIFV.pdf|title=Doosan Defense Product: Korean Infantry Fighting Vehicle|publisher=Doosan DST|access-date=16 August 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928063153/http://www.doosan.com/doosandst/en/cp_pdf/KIFV.pdf|archive-date=28 September 2011|url-status=dead}} The hull of the KIFV is of all-welded aluminium armor with an additional layer of spaced laminate steel armor bolted to it. The composite armor provides a higher level of protection for less weight. 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 has six electrically operated smoke grenade launchers mounted across the front of the hull as countermeasures against electro-optical and infrared targeting. If the KIFV variant features a turret, the smoke grenade launchers mount on the turret (three on each side).

K200 can provide infantry firepower support with 12.7 mm and 7.62 mm machine guns. Stronger anti-infantry and anti-material firepower can be brought to bear by equipping a 20 mm Vulcan gun, or 81 mm and 107 mm mortars. Anti-tank capability can be added by equipping the Metis-M anti-tank missile system.{{cite web|title=K200 crossing river with Metis-M|url=http://www.emilitarynews.com/priv/editor_data/20090115/1231999359.jpg|url-status=dead|publisher=emilitarynews|access-date=21 August 2010|archive-date=24 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924000116/http://www.emilitarynews.com/priv/editor_data/20090115/1231999359.jpg}} 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.

In November 2015, Doosan and CMI Defence revealed they had cooperated to create the Cockerill Protected Weapon Station (CPWS) to increase the firepower of the K200. The turret can support cannons between 20 and 30 mm, plus a 7.62 mm coaxial machine gun, including the: CPWS20 20 mm; CPWS 25 mm which can be armed with the M242 Bushmaster, Nexter M811, or Oerlikon KBA; and CPWS30 armed with the M230LF.[http://armyrecognition.com/november_2015_global_defense_security_news_uk/cmi_defence_and_doosan_to_develop_new_kifv_tracked_armoured_with_cpws_weapon_station_11111152.html CMI Defence and Doosan to develop new KIFV tracked armoured with CPWS weapon station] - Armyrecognition.com, 11 November 2015

On 7 January 2025, DAPA announced the completion of standardization of K200A2, K242A2, K277A2, K281A2, and K288A2. The agency installed front and rear cameras and integrated mechanical devices distributed in the vehicle to enhance convenience. It also updated various defense specifications for each armored vehicle. The ministry plans to conduct upgrades during overhaul for 1,100 vehicles by 2031.{{Cite web |last=김 |first=지환 |date=2025-01-08 |title=軍, 기존 무기 성능 극대화해 수출 지원한다 |url=https://biz.chosun.com/industry/company/2025/01/09/UT2JRQCOHVDX5C5NW4MXFY7J6M/ |access-date=2025-06-26 |website=조선비즈 |language=ko}}{{Cite web |last=윤 |first=용 |date=2025-01-08 |title=40년 전설, K200 계열 장갑차의 새로운 진화 |url=https://www.goodmorningcc.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=412443 |website=굿모닝충청}}

File:2014 대한민국 방위산업전(DX Korea) 육군의 명품 무기와 장비 소개 (15577818781).jpg

• K200: First production variant.
• K216: NBC reconnaissance vehicle. Equipped with detection system to trace sources of NBC agents.
• K221: Smoke generating vehicle. Produces two types of smoke to protect from visible light for 90 minutes and infrared for 30 minutes.
• K242: Carries 4.2 inch mortar for fire support.
• K255: Proposed ammunition resupply vehicle for 155 mm self-propelled howitzer.
• K263 SPAAG: KM167A1 20 mm self-propelled anti-aircraft gun variant of K200.
• K277: Command post vehicle. The vehicle contains various supplements for commanders.
• K281: Carries 81 mm mortar for fire support.
• K288: Recovery vehicle. Rescues and repairs damaged military vehicles.
• K200A1: Upgraded variant of the base K200 with more powerful engines and transmission. The upgrade also added NBC protection and automatic fire extinguishing system.
• K242A1: Carries 4.2 inch mortar for fire support. To be replaced by 120 mm mortar.{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=8 February 2022|title=RoK Army receives initial batch of locally developed mortar system|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/rok-army-receives-initial-batch-of-locally-developed-mortar-system|access-date=|website=Janes Information Services|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220306190731/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/rok-army-receives-initial-batch-of-locally-developed-mortar-system|archive-date=6 March 2022|url-status=live}}
• K263A1 SPAAG: KM167A1 20 mm M61 Vulcan self-propelled anti-aircraft gun variant of K200A1.
• K277A1: Command post vehicle variant of the K200A1.
• K281A1: Carries 81 mm mortar for fire support.
• K288A1: Recovery vehicle. Rescues and repairs damaged military vehicles.

File:K200 operators.png

• {{flag|Malaysia}} - Received 111 K200s between 1993 and 1995.{{cite web|url=https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/rok/kifv.htm|title=Korean Infantry Fighting Vehicle K-200|publisher=Global Security|date=7 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730134905/https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/rok/kifv.htm|archive-date=30 July 2023|access-date=30 July 2023|author=}}{{cite web|url=http://www.securityfact.co.kr/news/view.php?no=781|title=[한국무기 디테일] ⑭ 각본 없는 드라마, K200 장갑차 말레이시아 수출에 얽힌 일화|publisher=Security Fact|date=10 July 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230730134526/http://www.securityfact.co.kr/news/view.php?no=781|archive-date=30 July 2023|access-date=30 July 2023|author=Kim Han-kyung}} All vehicles were upgraded to K200A1s between 2000 and 2008.
• 1993 order: 32 K200s, 2 K277s, 4 K281s, 2 K288s 2 K200 ambulances. 1994 order: 18 K200s, 2 K277s, 1 K288, 1 K200 ambulance. 1995 order: 47 K200s and variants.{{Cite web |title=K200A1 Malaysian Infantry Fighting Vehicle (MIFV) Reliable Fighting Machine |url=https://malaysiamilitarypower.blogspot.com/2015/11/ka200a1-malaysian-infantry-fighting.html |access-date=2025-04-07 |language=en}}
• In 2000, Doosan proposed A1 upgrade, and a sample was built at the Number 91 Workshop of the Malaysian Army. Malaysia upgraded 56 vehicles between 2001 and 2002,{{Cite web |title=대우종합기계, 말聯 장갑차 성능 개선 사업 참여 |url=https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/015/0000417278?sid=101 |access-date=2025-03-25 |website=n.news.naver.com |language=ko}}{{Cite web |title=말聯 장갑차 성능개량 사업 대우綜機 1000만달러 수주 |url=https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/020/0000233594?sid=101 |access-date=2025-03-25 |website=n.news.naver.com |language=ko}} 32 vehicles between 2004 and 2005,{{Cite web |last=기자 |first=김희석 |title=대우종기, 말련서 1천만불 장갑차사업 수주 |url=https://n.news.naver.com/mnews/article/018/0000150148?sid=101 |access-date=2025-03-25 |website=n.news.naver.com |language=ko}} and 22 vehicles between 2006 and 2008.{{Cite web |last=이데일리 |date=2006-05-02 |title=두산인프라, 해외 장갑차 개량사업 수주 |url=https://www.edaily.co.kr/News/Read?newsId=01918806579844984 |access-date=2025-03-25 |website=이데일리 |language=ko}}{{Cite web |last=머니투데이 |date=2006-05-02 |title=두산인프라코어, K200 장갑차 성능개량사업 수주 |url=https://news.mt.co.kr/mtview.php?no=2006050214273445653 |access-date=2025-03-25 |website=머니투데이 |language=ko}}
• Malaysia planned for second upgrades in 2024. The upgraded vehicle includes added protection, RCWS, optical sensors, enhanced communication, and others.{{Cite web |date=2024-08-09 |title=30년 전 수출 장갑차에…한화에어로, 최신무기로 '중무장' |url=https://www.sedaily.com/NewsView/2DCY8L8MZN |access-date=2025-03-25 |website=서울경제 |language=ko}}
• {{flag|South Korea}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.military-today.com/apc/kifv.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070521092623if_/http://www.military-today.com/apc/kifv.htm|url-status=usurped|archive-date=21 May 2007|title=KIFV - Infantry fighting vehicle|last=ARG}}

• {{flag|Thailand}} - On 27 August 2024, Hanwha Aerospace and Thai Defence Industry (TDI) under the Defence Technology Institute (DTI) signed a MOU for K200A2 upgrades. Under the MOU, Hanwha will be partnering with Chaiseri Metal and Rubber for upgrading after Thailand acquire used K200s.{{Cite web |last=박 |first=진우 |date=2024-09-05 |title=방산 유지·보수 나서는 한화에어로… 태국과 장갑차 개조 MOU |url=https://biz.chosun.com/industry/company/2024/09/06/WO7Z23DZ6RGAHJOTBNTP27TDYA/ |access-date=2025-06-17 |website=조선비즈 |language=ko}}

• Egyptian Infantry Fighting Vehicle
• FNSS ACV-15 - Turkish built version of the AIFV

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category|K200 KIFV}}

• [https://www.hanwha-defense.co.kr/eng/products/maneuver-k200a1.do K200A1 - Armored Vehicles - Hanwha Defense]
• [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/rok/kifv.htm GlobalSecurity.org]
• [http://armour.ws/south-korean-k200-infantry-fighting-vehicle/ K200 Series on Armour.ws]
• [http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/land/row/kifv.htm Federation of American Scientists]

{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2017}}

Category:Tracked infantry fighting vehicles

Category:Armoured personnel carriers of South Korea

Category:Military vehicles introduced in the 1980s

Category:Armoured personnel carriers of the Cold War

Category:ADD research and development projects