"Ideal for use in mountainous areas": the Korean company offered India a light tank K21-105

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There is information that Korean armored vehicle manufacturers intend to meet the needs of the Indian army in light tanks... Earlier in India, it was stated that light tanks may be required for the confrontation in Ladakh. This is despite the fact that quite recently in the same India they declared the superiority of the T-72 and T-90 tanks over the Chinese "mountain" Type 15.

The Indian military department said that about 300 light tanks are needed to meet the needs of tank units. According to other sources - 350. Representatives of the Hanwha Defense company made a proposal to supply such a number of armored vehicles to the troops. It is a company headquartered in the Republic of Korea.



The Korean manufacturer of military equipment offers India its K21-105 light tank, which is based on an infantry fighting vehicle. The K21-105 has a main caliber of 105 mm, weight (depending on the configuration) - up to 29 tons, its turret is designed for two crew members. The manufacturer previously called the main purpose of such a tank to support the infantry, including in the conditions of the landscape where difficulties may arise for the use of heavier tanks.

Initially, the K21-105 tank was called medium.

Representatives of the Korean company claim that the K21-105 has the best price-performance ratio compared to similar combat vehicles from other manufacturers. At the same time, no specific (possible) price for India has yet been announced. But it is indicated that Korean manufacturers are determined to participate in the Make in India program. To do this, they are ready to move part of their production to India in cooperation with a partner L&T. This company (L&T) is already implementing a project for India to create tracked self-propelled artillery mounts K9 Vajra-T 155 mm.

From the statement of representatives of the Korean firm:

The K21-105 tank is ideal for use in mountainous areas.
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    1. -2
      12 May 2021 07: 43
      Interesting. The same as the Argentine TAM, in layout?
      1. +1
        12 May 2021 08: 01
        well made of bmpshka too
        1. 0
          12 May 2021 08: 45
          Quote: Graz
          well made of bmpshka too

          There is also BMP-3, for example.
          1. +2
            12 May 2021 09: 22
            And our self-propelled guns "Carnation" - why not a light tank?

            Moreover, the elevation angles of the gun (which can be important in mountainous terrain) are unrivaled.
            Protection can be increased by a hinged remote control.
            1. +5
              12 May 2021 09: 29
              Quote: Bad_gr
              And our self-propelled guns "Carnation" - why not a light tank?

              Neither AZ, nor stabilization of the gun, nor engine power, nor armor - DZ from large stones will not help in any way. Not worth the candle, the base is very old.
              1. 0
                12 May 2021 09: 36
                Quote: Vladimir_2U
                no armor - DZ from a large person will not help in any way.

                As for the armor, I agree, rather weak. But that there is no AZ - so the machine. most likely, the Korean does not. A gun stabilizer in the mountains is unlikely to be in demand (shooting on the move on a serpentine road? Maneuver battles?). I think that the shooting from the guns will be there only from the spot.
                1. +7
                  12 May 2021 09: 55
                  Quote: Bad_gr
                  But that there is no AZ - so the machine. most likely, the Korean does not. A gun stabilizer in the mountains is unlikely to be in demand (shooting on the move on a serpentine road? Maneuver battles?). I think that the shooting from the guns will be there only from the spot.
                  There is an AZ of a Middle Korean))) tank, two turrets are hinting at it. But you are very mistaken about the needlessness of the stabilizer, it is needed even when shooting from a standstill, tk. allows you to quickly restore the pickup, i.e. increases the practical rate of fire. Well, a quick exit from cover and retreat also requires stabilization.
                  There is also a minus for Gvozdichka: no, by today's standards, an MSA.
                  1. +1
                    12 May 2021 11: 14
                    I should also know for what tasks the Indians want to have tanks in the mountains. From what I saw in Afghanistan, shelling is conducted from long distances from camouflaged positions and the most used weapons against the enemy are mortars, howitzers (D-30), NURSs from helicopters. If the enemy was noticed, then the BMP-2 cannon was already.
                    The shelling of the column at close range is much less common. Unless a tank can come in handy here, but again, it cannot lift the cannon high and the BMP-3 in these conditions would be more in place.
                    1. 0
                      12 May 2021 11: 43
                      Quote: Bad_gr
                      I would also know for what tasks the Indians want to have tanks in the mountains.

                      Well, the mountains are not only mountains lol , alpine plateaus, valleys, the same serpentine. The Soviet experience is the experience of a counter-guerrilla war where the spirits, in principle, did not have armor, but here the experience of the Korean mountain war with duels, though rare, across the valleys will be closer.
                      In general, both the Indians and the Chinese will have to take into account the presence of tanks from the enemy.
                    2. +2
                      12 May 2021 16: 07
                      Who knows how suitable the BMP-3 is in the mountains. I even heard about tanks that during the assault on the fortified areas, they managed to make only a few shots before breaking the sights and observation devices. We left there with armor studded with cores from bullets of large-caliber machine guns.
                      The mechanics and drivers also complained that they saw nothing in front of them on the mountain serpentines in the BMP.
                      Conflicting terms. For tank duels, you need a tank cannon, and for assault on fortified areas, a 57-mm automatic cannon from air defense derivation, instead of a tank one, in addition to tank armor.
                  2. -3
                    12 May 2021 12: 54
                    mountains are different.
                    in some conditions it is difficult to understand, what for an MSA is generally needed, in others without it anywhere
                    the same with armor and dviglom. There are also mountains where the carnation will show itself quite well, for example, not far from Nalchik or in the Sayan Mountains.
            2. +1
              12 May 2021 09: 30
              The armor is too weak ... DZ is not a panacea!
              1. +2
                12 May 2021 09: 44
                Quote: Nikolaevich I
                DZ is not a panacea

                It makes no sense to install dynamic protection on lightly armored vehicles. When detonated, it breaks through the armor itself. Those. we need initially normal armor capable of withstanding a DZ explosion + a striking element, at the level of medium tanks of the middle of the century.
            3. +1
              12 May 2021 11: 10
              Protection can be increased by a hinged remote control.

              The remote control itself, when triggered, will simply break through what is called armor, even at the Carnation, at least at the Promotion ...
      2. 0
        12 May 2021 08: 34
        Whatever you call an infantry fighting vehicle, it is an infantry fighting vehicle and will stay laughing , but me, personally, something else worries that the Indians say no, let's negotiate, but we need tanks ...
        1. 0
          12 May 2021 09: 25
          Whatever you call an infantry fighting vehicle, it’s an infantry fighting vehicle and will stay laughing, but I, personally, are worried about something else that the Indians say, “Let's not negotiate, but we need tanks ...”

          As far as I remember from the previous article, the Indians complained primarily about the fact that, in frosty conditions, they had to drive the T-72 engine 24 hours a day. Because the engine is difficult to start in cold weather.
          I suspect that this Korean will not start in 40-degree frost at all.)))
          1. +2
            12 May 2021 13: 00
            Quote: lucul
            I suspect that this Korean will not start at all in 40-degree frost.))

            As far as I remember, the Indians especially noted the requirement for the presence of an APU on the tank - for powering the internal networks and heating, so as not to idle the main engine. The T-80 does this.
            I do not know if ours will participate in this competition, but BMP-3M "Dragoon" with a tower from "Octopus" (with reinforced turret protection) would be the best solution for the Indians. BMP-M weight - 21 tons. Together with a tank turret and a BC, there will be exactly up to 25 tons. And the auxiliary engine will get there - there is enough space. And if they leave the aft doors (like that of the "Merkava"), then perhaps it will be able to take 2 - 4 people with a landing. Or there will be space for additional ammunition.
            A very big plus in favor of the BMP-3M, the engine power is 816 hp, even at an altitude of 5 km. will produce 450 - 400 l / s, which is quite enough for a light tank weighing up to 25 tons.
            In the case of such a choice, the Indians will receive a clear advantage over the Chinese tanks:
            - in thrust-to-weight ratio, which means maneuverability,
            - in the power of the gun (125 mm is much better than 105 mm),
            - at the same time, the BMP-3M armor is capable of holding hits from a 30 mm armor-piercing projectile (and from the sides too), as well as the strength of the armor allows you to install dynamic protection.
            - if BMP-3M in the basic configuration (100 mm + 30 mm guns in the combat module) are purchased at the same time, then the Indians will receive the widest possible set of tools for war in the highlands.
            1. 0
              12 May 2021 15: 45
              You lost sight of the angle of the tank gun barrel. In addition, the machine you described does not exist in nature yet.
              1. 0
                12 May 2021 18: 41
                The barrel elevation angle of the BMP-3M is quite decent for a war in the mountains. If the Sprut based on the BMP-3M and the BMP-3M itself act in the same order, complementing each other, then it will turn out quite well. With a special desire and means, it would be possible to install the T-14 combat module on the BMP-3M chassis, and place the crew in the rear of the tank - also an option, but more difficult to implement. But the security and survival of the crew will be maximum, landing through the aft door and fire capabilities of the "Armata". smile
                "Dragoon" has not yet entered the troops, its production is only being prepared, the tests are being completed. But it will be a very good combat platform. And it is for the war and at a reasonable price, and not the awkward "Kurganets" - just to please "dear Dmitry Anatolyevich." There is a lot you can do on this platform.
                And a light tank (with very decent protection), and a whole series of self-propelled guns and a number of special vehicles.
                The troop compartment for 8 people (as in the Kurganets) is quite spacious. In the case of the creation of a headquarters, reconnaissance vehicles, a carrier of heavy anti-tank complexes, an evacuation vehicle based on it ... The engine power of 816 hp (with a dead weight of 21 tons) is impressive. And it allows you to attach additional armor, and additional weapons, if necessary, and in the highlands such a turbocharged diesel engine will not suffocate.
                An Indian order for 300 - 350 light tanks could start a very interesting job.
                And no one can offer the Indians better than the Sprut based on the BMP-3M.
                The weak point of the Octopus was its weak armor protection. But in this case, everything is very good. On such armor, you can safely hang dynamic protection - it will withstand, its sides are protected at the level of "Kurganets-25", it is possible to install KAZ. And if the landing through the aft door continues ... he will be able to take 2 - 4 people as a landing party.
                Quote: Sergey Alexandrovich
                In addition, the machine you described does not exist in nature yet.

                It is not at all difficult to create it from the existing components and the experience of creating all modifications of the Octopus. I think such a light tank could find a place for itself in the battle formations of our Land Forces.
      3. +1
        12 May 2021 08: 40
        Quote: Leader of the Redskins
        The same as the Argentine TAM, in layout?

        In the photo there is another kind of tank, but about the K21-105 they write that the layout is the same, it was driven from the front.
        1. +1
          12 May 2021 09: 14
          Quote: Vladimir_2U
          In the photo, some kind of another tank

          So it is, also Korean, but K2, just the proportions of the photo are distorted.
      4. +1
        12 May 2021 08: 55
        THERE has not been produced for 35 years.
        1. 0
          12 May 2021 09: 33
          Quote: Pereira
          THERE has not been produced for 35 years.

          Duc ... we will produce for your money! We are also modernizing even! wink
    2. 0
      12 May 2021 08: 05
      well, in principle, it seems to be less, but again, tests are needed in the intended places of application, and for the price the Indians are very greedy, they will also demand to place a partial pro-in on their territory
    3. +2
      12 May 2021 08: 08
      K21-105 has a main caliber of 105 mm, weight (depending on configuration) - up to 29 tons,
      Thanks to the 125-mm gun 2A75 "Sprut-SDM1", it can fight almost all existing and future tanks. It is possible to use 9M119M1 guided missiles, in which armor penetration is up to 900 millimeters or 800-850 for dynamic protection. Weight of "Sprut-SDM1" is 18 tons,
      Tank battles in the mountains ??? But anything happens. And the "Sprut" has a powerful weapon with the practical absence of "tank" ARMOR ... But even at 29 tons, you won't gain much ... Do we vote?
      1. 0
        12 May 2021 08: 15
        Quote: Mavrikiy
        Vote?

        Yes, I am for the fact that the Americans will not allow the Octopus to be pushed for India.
        1. 0
          12 May 2021 08: 28
          Quote: Canecat
          Yes, I am for the fact that the Americans will not allow the Octopus to be pushed for India.

          The ambiguity is written ..... You must assume or argue that ....... Not be in favor. request
      2. 0
        12 May 2021 09: 37
        Quote: Mavrikiy
        the "Sprut" has a powerful weapon with the practical absence of "tank" ARMOR ...

        Armor? We'll hang as much as you need ... within reason, of course! Perhaps the engine will have to be strengthened ... but this, in principle, can be solved! Yes
        1. 0
          13 May 2021 13: 01
          Quote: Nikolaevich I
          Armor? We'll hang as much as you need ... within reason, of course! Perhaps the engine will have to be strengthened ... but this, in principle, can be solved!

          stop I also love jokes ...
          1. 0
            13 May 2021 13: 30
            You are right ... this comment is not completely overwhelmed! Although ... have you heard the phrase: "There is a grain of a joke in every joke ..."? wink
    4. +4
      12 May 2021 08: 13
      Korean tanks can be characterized by one proverb - 30 years in the ranks and not a single one in battle.
    5. +6
      12 May 2021 08: 14
      As always, they will arrange a tender, and then they will be gypsies! And our "Sprut-SDM1" is quite suitable for them, the caliber is larger, the weight is much less, it floats, it can be dropped.
      1. 0
        12 May 2021 08: 59
        As for the tender, it's damn curious how the Koreans will bargain with the Indians.
      2. 0
        12 May 2021 13: 07
        Quote: Vladimir61
        And our "Sprut-SDM1" is quite suitable for them, the caliber is larger, the mass is much less, it floats, it can be dropped.

        I think they don't need swimming and landing in the mountains. Therefore, it would be quite possible to throw out of the tank all the equipment for swimming, variable ground clearance and other cool bells and whistles. And in return, install additional protection. At least DZ. It will turn out to be quite a suitable budget and powerful light tank.
        1. +1
          12 May 2021 16: 26
          Do you think that you did not swim in Afghanistan? They swam and even drowned.
    6. +1
      12 May 2021 08: 18
      The Belgian habitable module is undoubtedly good.
      It is worth checking (in particular) the protection against a 30mm AP shell in the front and a 14.5mm bullet in a circle.
      And what about 25 tons in the maximum configuration?
      1. +1
        12 May 2021 08: 25
        Well, the Indians need not so much a light tank as a tank for mountain conditions, so as not to stall, not suffocate, as they say at a height
        1. 0
          12 May 2021 09: 36
          Yes, they don't need anything special - they just look in advance for the reasons for future failures.
    7. 0
      12 May 2021 08: 35
      Maybe it's easier to take the T62 to capitalize. Change diesel, optics, communication ... new 115mm BOPS of large aspect ratio and forward
      1. +2
        12 May 2021 09: 35
        Maybe it's easier to take the T62 to capitalize. Change diesel, optics, communication ... new 115mm BOPS of large aspect ratio and forward


        Go ahead to the first bridge over a mountain stream, WEIGHT.
        1. 0
          12 May 2021 11: 12
          and what - WEIGHT? you need to compare the specific ground pressure.
          1. +1
            12 May 2021 11: 22
            you need to compare specific ground pressure

            The mountainous area is not black earth and swamps, these are stones, but there are probably no bridges that can withstand 40-50 tons, and this is a serious problem. There is no need for a swamp vehicle.
            1. 0
              12 May 2021 16: 25
              The terrain there must be studied concretely, not abstractly. Are there bridges or not? Where they are not, it may be easier to place temporary ones than to pervert with thin armor. What are the heights and passes, what are the ascent angles and the width of the roads. And so, we guess everything here, on the coffee grounds.
    8. 0
      12 May 2021 08: 45
      The K21-105 tank is ideal for use in mountainous areas.

      Oxymoron or how to perceive this combination? Pancake climbers tankers!
      1. 0
        12 May 2021 09: 40
        Ikarus, for example, did not walk very well in Tbilisi because of the slides. LAZs fit better ....... And in Soviet tanks, the barrel had worse tilt angles and suffered because of this on the BV in comparison with the Centurions. So that :
        1. Average weight
        2. Powerful motor
        3. Good angles for the cannon
        4. Maybe something with antennas for better communication.
        1. 0
          12 May 2021 09: 54
          Quote: Zaurbek
          So that :
          1. Average weight
          2. Powerful motor
          3. Good angles for the cannon
          4. Maybe something with antennas for better communication.

          The experience of using tanks in the mountains of Afghanistan and Chechnya did not teach you anything.
          1. +4
            12 May 2021 10: 10
            These are different battles ... there are tanks and military units of China ... ... and in Chechnya and Afghanistan, ambushes on supply columns. The partisans also blew up trains with tanks ... ... they did not refuse this.
    9. +1
      12 May 2021 11: 09
      Tnz. forge a tank, which is also light, must have a turbocharged engine.
    10. +1
      12 May 2021 11: 48
      something he is "tall", according to the saying "I sit high, I look far away", a good target for the Chinese brothers
    11. +1
      13 May 2021 04: 17
      In the mountains, large angles of elevation of weapons are needed. Something like our 120-mm "Lotus", but we need to increase the armor and install another ATGM "Cornet".
    12. 0
      17 May 2021 23: 06
      A light tank is bullshit. No protection, no high-explosive charge power, no armor penetration. If there is a need, then for these purposes it is possible to recycle tanks of the past, for example, the T-62.

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