[Militech] Expanding Rifle Market... K-Defense Moves to Take the Lead [Yang Nakgyu's Defence Club]

Four Barrel Options for Versatile Operations
Enhanced Sniper Performance for Soldiers
Improved Accuracy with a Range of Attachments

The global firearms and defense market is expected to more than double within the next ten years. According to the global market research firm IMARC Group, the worldwide firearms market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9% between 2024 and 2032. The market is anticipated to expand from $3.93 billion in 2023 to $6.75 billion by 2032. As the firearms market grows, countries are increasingly cooperating with each other. The Indian defense company Adani Group has entered the firearms market in partnership with Israel Weapon Industries (IWI). Firearms will be produced at PLR (Punj Lloyd Raksha Systems), a joint venture established in India.

Our reporter is the first in the media to fire a live round using the STSR23 semi-automatic sniper rifle. (Photo by SNT Motive)

Domestic defense companies are also moving quickly. The leading small arms manufacturer in Korea is SNT Motiv. The company is emphasizing "customized firearms" by producing weapons tailored to the environments of different countries. SNT Motiv has previously introduced a full line-up of small arms, including the K13 submachine gun for special operations, the K4 automatic grenade launcher, the K15 machine gun, the K16 machine gun series, the STP9 pistol, and low-risk pistols. The most recently developed firearm is the STSR23 semi-automatic sniper rifle. The STSR23 maintains the accuracy of the existing K14 sniper rifle but changes the operation to a semi-automatic (gas piston) system. This allows a rifleman to perform sniper duties in combat situations. While training a sniper typically requires more than four weeks, with the STSR23, an ordinary soldier can be ready for sniper duties in just two weeks. The STSR23 is strong yet lightweight and can be equipped with a variety of accessories. The development focused on global trends in rifle design.

Four Interchangeable Barrels for Different Situations

The STSR23 semi-automatic sniper rifle, seen at the SNT Motiv shooting range in Gijang-gun, Busan, was shorter than typical sniper rifles. The STSR23 allows the barrel length to be changed to four options: 16 inches, 18 inches, 20 inches, or 24 inches. This modular barrel system enables the user to select the appropriate barrel for the operational environment with a single rifle. The barrel imparts a spinning motion to the bullet for stable flight. A longer barrel increases the bullet's range, thereby extending the effective range. The U.S. military also adjusts the effective range of its representative light machine gun, the 5.56mm M249, by changing the barrel according to the environment. For a single target, the effective range is set at 600 meters, while for multiple targets, it is set at 800 meters. When targeting a single object, penetration is prioritized, so the effective range is reduced. Conversely, for multiple targets, the effective range is increased.

Enhanced Sniper Capabilities for Soldiers

Song Byungjo, head of Special Development Team 1, stated, "After development, the STSR23 semi-automatic sniper rifle was tested internally, firing 10,000 rounds and achieving a precision of about 1.5 MOA." This means it can hit within one inch at 100 yards.

For the first time in the media, a live-fire test was conducted with the STSR23 semi-automatic sniper rifle. A total of 30 rounds were fired at a coffee can placed 150 meters away as the target. Through a 20x magnification scope, the coffee can, which was initially faint, became clear enough to see the logo. The stock could be adjusted to fit the shooter’s body. The length was between that of a typical sniper rifle and a K2 rifle. Unlike traditional sniper rifles, there was no need to reload after each shot.

The shooting began. To zero the scope, a 30cm disc was targeted first. All five shots hit the target. After fine-tuning the scope, shots were fired at the coffee can, which disappeared instantly. Ten cans were shot in rapid succession, all hit. The recoil on the shoulder was stronger than that of a standard rifle due to the larger bullets. The STSR23 uses 7.62mm caliber rounds. "Caliber" refers to the diameter of the barrel through which the bullet passes. A 7.62mm round has a diameter of 7.62mm. Since it is larger than the standard 5.56mm round, it has greater penetration power.

STSR23 20-inch, STSR23 18-inch, and STSR20 sniper rifles for long-range shooting produced by SNT Motiv (from left). (Photo by SNT Motiv)

Globally, there is a trend toward switching from 5.56mm rounds to larger calibers. The 5.56mm round is light and travels far but is highly affected by wind, reducing accuracy. In contrast, increasing the caliber makes the bullet heavier, which improves stability and destructive power, and naturally extends the effective range. In November 2019, SNT Motiv signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the ammunition manufacturer Poongsan to jointly develop new 6.8mm ammunition and firearms. The new 6.8mm round is designed to penetrate all types of body armor.

Enhanced Accuracy with Various Attachments

The STSR23 is equipped with a rail on the barrel, in line with current trends in rifle development, to allow the attachment of various accessories. Accessories such as dot sights, holographic sights, laser target designators, and thermal scopes can be mounted, enabling rapid and accurate shooting.

SNT Motiv plans to expand its defense market presence with the STSR23 at the center. The proportion of defense sales in SNT Motiv’s total revenue has been increasing over the past five years, with exports playing a significant role. Defense sales were only 118.5 billion won in 2020, but continued to rise to 106.7 billion won in 2021, 116.6 billion won in 2022, 150.7 billion won in 2023, and 165.2 billion won last year.

Son Juhyun, Director of Special Development Sales at SNT Motiv, stated, "Amid rapidly changing international security conditions, countries around the world are recognizing the importance of national defense. Accordingly, we will actively pursue sales activities not only in the Middle East but also in the global market to further enhance the reputation of 'K-Defense'."