South Korea orders 3rd batch of K806 and K8080 wheeled armored vehicles

 

A convoy of K808 armored vehicles of the Republic of Korea Army. Photo credits to ROKA.

South Korea's Hyundai Rotem has announced on 29 September 2020 that it received a contract to supply a third batch of K806 and K808 wheeled armored vehicles for the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA).

The contract, worth KRW407.7 billion (US$348.6 million), was awarded to Hyundai Rotem by the South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), with the vehicles to be delivered by 2023.

No specific quantity was mentioned in the announcement.although it was reported by British defense media outlet Jane's that the ROKA needs at least 100 units of the K806 6x6 wheeled armored vehicles, and at least 500 units of the larger K808 8x8 wheeled armored vehicles.

So far, DAPA has ordered the first batch in 2016 worth KRW26.9 billion, with deliveries completed in 2018, while a second batch was ordered in 2017 worth KRW412.9 billion, with deliveries to be completed this year.

The K806 and K808 series of wheeled armored vehicles was developed by Hyundai Rotem to replace older tracked armored vehicles in service with the ROKA. Both models are equipped with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun  with a one-man protected weapon station, and have central tire inflation system and run-flat tires.

The K806 was designed for mobile strike and reconnaissance missions. Meanwhile the K808 was designed for troop deployment in front line areas, and is capable of amphibious operations, with a maximum speed on water at 10 kilometers per hour. It can also be equipped with larger weapon systems, including 30mm guns and air defense systems.

[1] The Korea Herald
[2] Jane's
[3[ Aju Business Daily