The New K15 Machine Gun Will Be Distributed Starting Today

SNT Motive, K15 Machine Gun Delivery Ceremony... Production Until 2025

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The K15 machine gun, the next squad support weapon to be deployed in our military, is being supplied for the first time. The K15 is a new light machine gun that will replace the K3 currently used by our military. The K15 machine gun is scheduled to be produced and deployed to the military by 2025.

On the 16th, according to defense company SNT Motiv, a supply contract worth 72.8 billion KRW for the K15 machine gun was signed with the military, and the first shipment ceremony was held on the same day.

The K3, which the military has used so far, had a firepower capable of firing 700 to 1000 rounds per minute, but frequent malfunctions occurred where cartridges got stuck in the chamber every 80 to 300 rounds, causing dissatisfaction in the field. In response, the Ministry of National Defense prepared a replacement project for the K3 in 2013 and contracted with SNT Motiv in 2016 to develop the ‘5.56mm Light Machine Gun-II.’ This light machine gun is the K15.

Unlike the existing K3, the K15 light machine gun is integrated with day and night aiming devices, enabling suppression of area targets such as distant enemy dense units, and improving accuracy, reliability, and operational convenience. It also overcomes the frequent malfunctions and low reliability of the existing K3. It can be linked with future personal combat systems.

The barrel, which can be damaged by continuous firing, can be quickly replaced, and it is equipped with a Picatinny rail (NATO standard firearm accessory platform), allowing the use of various auxiliary equipment. Another advantage is that the stock and bipod can be freely adjusted according to the physique of the soldier handling the weapon.

The aiming device for the K15 machine gun was developed by Hanwha Systems. It uses a thermal sight method that allows aiming both day and night, enabling accurate observation of the battlefield even in adverse weather conditions such as night and fog, and it is equipped with a dot sight so that the user can quickly shoot with both eyes open.

An industry official who attended the K15 machine gun system shipment ceremony said, "The K15 machine gun is a very meaningful project that replaces the outdated K3 light machine gun after about 30 years and is equipped with an aiming device for deployment," adding, "It is expected to enhance combat power in small units and strengthen overall military capability."