[KADEX On Site] 'Han Total Gun Factory' SNT Motive Opens Export Door

"After the Russia-Ukraine War, the Trend is Short and Lightweight Firearms"
Demand for Short-Barreled Firearms Increases... Will K-Defense Also Shine in Firearms?

Kang Jeong-hoon, Head of Special Development Team 2 at SNT Motive, is being interviewed on the 2nd at the 'Korea International Defense Industry Exhibition' held at Gyeryongdae, Chungnam. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

"Since the Russia-Ukraine war, firearms have become shorter and lighter. At this exhibition, SNT Motive is showcasing products with significantly reduced barrel lengths (the metal tube through which the fired bullet passes)."

Kang Jeong-hoon, head of the Special Development Team 2 at SNT Motive, a firearms development and manufacturing company, said this on the 2nd at the 'Korea International Defense Industry Exhibition (KADEX)' held at Gyeryongdae in Gyeryong City, Chungnam. The nature of warfare has changed with an increased proportion of urban combat after the Russia-Ukraine war, and the direction of the firearms industry has also shifted.

The various firearms SNT Motive presented at this exhibition, including semi-automatic sniper rifles, submachine guns, and pistols, have all evolved by shortening barrel lengths and reducing parts. The STSR23 7.62mm semi-automatic sniper rifle is a product under development to strengthen the firepower of infantry squads. The barrel length options have been expanded from the existing 50.8 cm (20 inches) and 61 cm (24 inches) to include 40.6 cm (16 inches) and 45.7 cm (18 inches). Kang explained, "While maintaining the accuracy of a sniper rifle, it can also function as a semi-automatic rifle in close-quarters combat."

Particularly notable was the STSM21 9mm submachine gun developed to respond to urban combat. This firearm features a modular barrel and stock, making replacement easy. Kang said, "In urban combat, since cover must be taken at sharp building corners, the use of submachine guns with a small turning radius is increasing," adding, "This product was developed by applying technologies such as a retractable lightweight stock that minimizes the recoil, which is a disadvantage of submachine guns."

SNT Motive originated as the Government Arsenal under the Ministry of National Defense. It became Daewoo Precision Industries through privatization of the arsenal, then changed its name to SNT Daewoo, S&T Motive, and finally settled as SNT Motive in 2021. Since starting with the M16A1 in 1973, it has developed and produced most of the K series domestically from the 1980s to the present.

SNT Motive is a leader in domestic weapon production but its export volume is not yet large. About 30% of its firearms division sales come from exports. Kang stated, "As industrialization progresses in each country, there is a strong tendency to domestically produce firearms due to security concerns, so it is not an industry with active exports," but added, "Demand is increasing mainly in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, so we have high expectations."