Hanwha's K21 Infantry Fighting Vehicle Poised to Secure Export Deal with Latvia

Hanwha Aerospace's K21 Infantry Fighting Vehicle seems to be on the brink of securing an export deal with Latvia this year.

This information was first reported by Business Korea on Wednesday.

The South Korean company has emerged as a leading contender in Latvia's armored vehicle replacement project, which entails approximately 100 units and is valued at 4 trillion won (nearly $3 billion).

This IFV competed against rivals such as the ASCOD, developed jointly by Austria and Spain, and Turkey's Tulpar. Over 460 units have been operated by various armed forces since the commencement of mass production in 2009.

Hanwha Aerospace underwent rigorous mobility and firepower evaluations locally over three weeks from October last year, reportedly achieving the highest score. Furthermore, the K21 can be customized to meet the specific requirements of the importing country.

The K21 features a 40mm cannon, two anti-tank guided missile launchers, and a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun. Its automated fire control system ensures accuracy, while its 750 horsepower engine allows speeds of up to 70 kph on flat terrain and 40 kph on rough terrain. Amphibious capabilities include a frontal wave deflector and side pontoons, enabling water traversal at 6 kph. Armor-piercing rounds penetrate up to 220mm, complemented by third-generation anti-tank guided missiles. The crew consists of three members, with space for nine soldiers. With a top road speed of 70 km/h and a range of 450 km, the K21 utilizes hydropneumatic suspension for mobility. Automatic flotation bags enable seamless water transitions, propelling the vehicle at up to 6 km/h.