Indian Army selects South Korean K-30 Biho SHORAD system, Russia calls for re-evaluation

The Hanwha Defense K-30 Biho SHORAD system.



After a bidding process involving numerous arms makers from different countries, the Indian Army selected South Korea’ K-30 Biho anti-aircraft system made by Hanwha Defense, as its next Short Range Air Defense System (SHORAD), in a deal valued at KRW 3 trillion (US$ 2.66 billion).

The selection was made in October 2018, and will involve the Hanwha Defense K-30 Biho platform paired with the Chiron SHORAD missile from another South Korean firm, LIGNex1. The total numbers expected are for 104 K-30 Biho systems, plus 97 ammunition carriers, 39 command vehicles, 4,928 Chiron missiles, and 172,260 rounds of 30mm ammunition.

But Russia’s Defense Minister Sergey Shoygu made it known to India of their frustration, claiming that the Indian Army did not test the K-30 Biho before being selected, a move they believe was a deliberate attempt by India to not buy Russian-made SHORAD systems. The Russians are now asking for the Indian Army to re-evaluate the project.

Meanwhile, South Korean officials believe that Russia might have expected too much, considering Russia is India’s top source of weapons, while South Korea is a new-comer in the Indian defense market. South Korea also fears that the close relations between India and Russia may affect their chances of setting a foothold in the Indian defense market, while also lose their chance of exporting the K-30 Biho for the first time.

The Hanwha Defense K-30 Biho competed against Russia’s Tunguska-M1 from Almaz-Antey, and the Pantsir SHORAD system from the KPB Instrument Design Bureau.


[1] Korea JoongAng Daily
[2] Army Recognition
[3] Hanwha Defense Systems
Indian Army selects South Korean K-30 Biho SHORAD system, Russia calls for re-evaluation Indian Army selects South Korean K-30 Biho SHORAD system, Russia calls for re-evaluation Reviewed by Asia Pacific Defense Journal on January 11, 2019 Rating: 5

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