Infantry Fighting Vehicle
K21 IFV
The K21 is a South Korean amphibious tracked infantry fighting vehicle developed by Doosan DST, now Hanwha Aerospace, for the Republic of Korea Army. It entered service in 2009 and about 466 were reportedly built.
South Korea|Hanwha AerospaceWhat Is the K21 IFV? Overview, History and Development
The K21 entered service in 2009 after trials in 2005. It has a 40 mm KBA cannon, a Bofors L70 derivative, and a 7.62 mm machine gun, with a stabilised gunner sight and hunter-killer capability, and Spike missiles are optional. The hull is composite armour with fibre-glass reinforced plastic, and a 750 hp diesel drives it. It is amphibious, at 7 km/h in water, and weighs about 25 t with a crew of 3 plus 9 troops.
About 466 were reportedly built for the ROK Army, a commonly cited figure. Variants include the K21-105 light tank with a 105 mm gun and the K21 Plus, with improved armour and engine for Hanwha’s export offer. The Redback IFV for Australia is a K21-derived design, but a separate Hanwha design, and the K21 has not been sold abroad in service numbers. Rivals include the CV90, Lynx KF41, BMP-3, Puma and ASCOD.
K21 IFV Specifications: Weight, Armament, Armor and Mobility
K21 IFV Variants and Versions Compared
The K21 is the standard infantry fighting vehicle with a 40 mm KBA cannon.
The K21-105 is a light tank version with a 105 mm gun.
The K21 Plus is the improved version with better armour and engine for export.
Which Countries Use the K21 IFV? Operators and Users
South KoreaK21 IFV FAQ: Price, Range, Operators and Most Asked Questions
How many K21 have been built?
About 466 K21 vehicles were reportedly built for the ROK Army, a commonly cited figure. The K21 entered service in 2009.
Is the K21 amphibious?
Yes, the K21 is amphibious, at about 7 km/h in water. It weighs about 25 t and carries a crew of 3 plus 9 troops.
Which countries use the K21?
The K21 is used by South Korea only, in service numbers. The Redback IFV for Australia is a K21-derived design, but a separate Hanwha design.
K21 vs CV90: which is better?
The K21 has a 40 mm KBA cannon and is amphibious, while the CV90 is a widely exported Swedish IFV. The CV90 has more export customers, and the K21 has been sold abroad only as the Redback derivative.
What weapons does the K21 have?
The K21 has a 40 mm KBA cannon, a Bofors L70 derivative, and a 7.62 mm machine gun. Spike ATGMs are optional, and the K21-105 carries a 105 mm gun.
What is the K21 Plus?
The K21 Plus is an improved version with better armour and engine for Hanwha’s export offer. It is based on the K21, which entered service in 2009.