Defence & Space

ICEYE signs agreement to deliver SAR satellite capabilities to the Portuguese Air Force

The Polish-Finnish company ICEYE and the Portuguese Air Force (Força Aérea Portuguesa, FAP) announced the signing of an order for…

2025-06-13 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

Spectra Group unveils Troposcatter on the Move (TOTM) to Asia at Indo Defence

Spectra Group is unveiling its new Troposcatter on the Move (TOTM) capability at Indo Defence, which delivers robust, secure, high-bandwidth…

2025-06-12 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Karkonosze Program: A Game-Changer for the Polish Air Force’s Tankers?

The Polish Air Force has been requesting the acquisition of aerial refueling tankers for years. The program to procure a multi-role transport…

2025-05-23 | Sławek Zagórski | 5 minutes

Swedish A26 Submarine and Poland’s Orka Program

In early April, Saab organized a visit for representatives of the Polish defense media to the Saab Kockums shipyard, located in Karlskrona…

2025-05-08 | Przemysław Gurgurewicz | 16 minutes

Ukraine has tested a new ballistic missile under combat conditions

According to reports, in mid-May of this year, Ukraine is said to have launched a new ballistic missile at a target in Russia, which,…

2025-06-10 | Rafał Muczyński | 6 minutes

Polish Navy: Contract signed for upgrade of ORP Mewa’s mine warfare system

The Naval Port Command in Gdynia has published the results of the tender for the modification of the minehunter ORP…

2025-06-10 | Rafał Muczyński | 2 minutes

Advancing multi-domain EW operations: Rohde & Schwarz unveils latest innovations at AOC Europe

Rohde & Schwarz demonstrates the next generation of SIGINT/EW systems, sensor fusion and signal analysis solutions, designed to meet the evolving…

2025-05-12 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

Iberian Blackout: Is Poland Prepared for a Similar Scenario?

The blackout on the Iberian Peninsula has prompted a few cautious questions about whether Poland is secure in the event of…

2025-05-02 | Krzysztof Zagórski | 6 minutes

Spectra Group unveils Troposcatter on the Move (TOTM) to Asia at Indo Defence

Spectra Group is unveiling its new Troposcatter on the Move (TOTM) capability at Indo Defence, which delivers robust, secure, high-bandwidth…

2025-06-12 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Poland: GROTowisko-25 Conference Begins Next Week

On the weekend of June 14–15, 2025, the next edition of GROTowisko will take place. Once again, the military complex…

2025-06-04 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Spectra Group unveils Troposcatter on the Move (TOTM) to Asia at Indo Defence

Spectra Group is unveiling its new Troposcatter on the Move (TOTM) capability at Indo Defence, which delivers robust, secure, high-bandwidth…

2025-06-12 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Ukraine has tested a new ballistic missile under combat conditions

According to reports, in mid-May of this year, Ukraine is said to have launched a new ballistic missile at a target in Russia, which,…

2025-06-10 | Rafał Muczyński | 6 minutes

Galvion awarded FBI contract for their Hellbender FE helmet

Galvion announces the successful award of a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) contract for their Galvion Hellbender Federal Edition (FE) helmet…

2025-06-09 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

IDET & PYROS 2025: KALAN Tracked Amphibious Vehicle as the Successor to the PTS

During the International Fire Fighting Equipment and Services Fair PYROS (held alongside IDET 2025 in Brno), the Czech company New…

2025-05-30 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

ICEYE signs agreement to deliver SAR satellite capabilities to the Portuguese Air Force

The Polish-Finnish company ICEYE and the Portuguese Air Force (Força Aérea Portuguesa, FAP) announced the signing of an order for…

2025-06-13 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

Spectra Group unveils Troposcatter on the Move (TOTM) to Asia at Indo Defence

Spectra Group is unveiling its new Troposcatter on the Move (TOTM) capability at Indo Defence, which delivers robust, secure, high-bandwidth…

2025-06-12 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

SBU on Operation Spider’s Web Details: Was a Tu-160 Strategic Bomber Destroyed?

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) has released a video compilation showing all FPV drone strikes carried out with Osa-type drones…

2025-06-07 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

Ukraine has destroyed a Russian Iskander-M ballistic missile system

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported the destruction of one and damage to two additional 9K720 Iskander-M…

2025-06-05 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

ICEYE signs agreement to deliver SAR satellite capabilities to the Portuguese Air Force

The Polish-Finnish company ICEYE and the Portuguese Air Force (Força Aérea Portuguesa, FAP) announced the signing of an order for…

2025-06-13 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

Hanwha Systems and BAE Systems Sign MOU to Build Next-Generation Reconnaissance Satellite System

Hanwha Systems, a leading South Korean defense and aerospace technology company, announced today that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU)…

2025-06-10 | Redakcja | 2 minutes
Shooting

Streamlight TLR-7 HL-X – a Bayonet of Light for Your Weapon

The devil’s not so scary once you shine a light on him—and he’s certainly easier to neutralize in the spotlight. A weapon-mounted flashlight…

2025-06-09 | Anna Mielczarek | 6 minutes

Mactronic M-Fire Guardian – A New Flashlight for Professionals

Mactronic is introducing a new angle flashlight, the M-Fire Guardian. According to the manufacturer, it is the first angle flashlight with red…

2025-06-04 | Michał Ihnatów | 6 minutes

Streamlight TLR-7 HL-X – a Bayonet of Light for Your Weapon

The devil’s not so scary once you shine a light on him—and he’s certainly easier to neutralize in the spotlight. A weapon-mounted flashlight…

2025-06-09 | Anna Mielczarek | 6 minutes

Mactronic M-Fire Guardian – A New Flashlight for Professionals

Mactronic is introducing a new angle flashlight, the M-Fire Guardian. According to the manufacturer, it is the first angle flashlight with red…

2025-06-04 | Michał Ihnatów | 6 minutes

Protective Rescuer Vest – BC Arms Archangel

The Archangel Rescuer Vest is the result of a collaboration between Polish companies Currahee and BC Arms. It was created in…

2025-05-16 | Mariusz Rams | 6 minutes

Direct Action Spitfire Plate Carrier – Part 1: Testing the Carrier

Nowadays, the market offers a wide range of options in the gear and load-bearing equipment category. One of the most basic…

2025-05-08 | Michał Gaweł | 14 minutes

Enforce Tac 2025 starts on February 24th

Enforce Tac is an international trade fair aimed at law enforcement officers, experts from government agencies, and representatives of the…

2025-01-30 | Michał Ihnatów | 4 minutes

POLSECURE: Holsters HPE Poland offer for uniformed services

At the 3rd International Police and Public Security Fair POLSECURE 2024 in Kielce, Holsters HPE Poland presented its offer for…

2024-05-01 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

MSBS GROT BULLPUP conversion now available

Fabryka Broni “Łucznik” Radom is introducing long-awaited conversion kits for the MSBS GROT S16 FB-M1 and S10 FB-M1 semi-automatic rifles,…

2025-06-02 | Michał Ihnatów | 3 minutes

IDET 2025: Grand Power Showcases M4M1 Carbines for the Slovak Armed Forces

At the International Defence and Security Technologies Fair IDET 2023 in the Czech Republic, Grand Power — a Slovak firearms manufacturer — showcased…

2025-05-28 | Michał Ihnatów | 4 minutes

Setting Up a Shooting Belt: An Example with Clawgear

To assist with shooting training and beyond, various belts and gear configurations have been developed and customized to suit individual needs. It’s…

2024-11-28 | Łukasz Kołodziejski | 14 minutes

Weapon light: a practical tool for everyday service. How to choose?

In the world of armed forces, where every second can determine the outcome of an operation, precision and effectiveness are…

2024-08-29 | Redakcja | 7 minutes

Over 100% increase in gun permits in Poland in 2024

The Polish Police have released statistical data on firearm permits issued in 2024. An increasing number of Poles now hold…

2025-02-20 | Michał Ihnatów | 5 minutes

Firearms In Poland 2023: Number of permits continues to grow

The National Police Headquarters has released statistics regarding the number of firearm permits and firearms themselves in the hands of…

2024-02-17 | Michał Ihnatów | 5 minutes

5 Best Value ATN Rifle Scopes Under €1500

ATN is a leading manufacturer of daytime optics, smart night vision, and thermal vision technology. The innovative features and ergonomic designs…

2022-11-11 | Redakcja | 8 minutes

MILMAG Visits Grand Power

Grand Power is a Slovak manufacturer of the acknowledged good quality firearms. Take part in our guided tour with English subtitles.

2022-05-23 | Redakcja | 1 minutes

Streamlight TLR-7 HL-X – a Bayonet of Light for Your Weapon

The devil’s not so scary once you shine a light on him—and he’s certainly easier to neutralize in the spotlight. A weapon-mounted flashlight…

2025-06-09 | Anna Mielczarek | 6 minutes

Protective Rescuer Vest – BC Arms Archangel

The Archangel Rescuer Vest is the result of a collaboration between Polish companies Currahee and BC Arms. It was created in…

2025-05-16 | Mariusz Rams | 6 minutes

EOTECH Holographic Sight – History, Technology, Practice

The holographic sight is a device known for nearly 30 years and used by professionals around the world. A favorite sight of many…

2024-09-02 | Michał Gaweł | 12 minutes

Development Of South Korean Tank K1

South Korea developed the K1 tank under the ROKIT program in collaboration with the USA, and it was produced from 1987 to 1997, making it the representative tank of the Korean army to this day. The development history of the K1 tank is also an interesting topic because it remains a significant construction, contributing to the modernization program of the Korean defense industry.

The beginnings of the Korean armored program

In 1969, because of the ongoing Vietnam War, the USA announced the Nixon Doctrine for Asian countries, including the Republic of Korea. Under this doctrine, Washington reduced both its military guarantees and armed interventions. In 1971, the withdrawal of 20,000 American soldiers stationed in Korea began. This reduced American influence but also caused political turmoil in Seoul, which had relied on armament from the United States until that moment. Therefore, in 1974, the Yulgok program (lasting until 1986) was initiated to develop indigenous armaments and enhance the overall military strength of the Korean armed forces.

The political crisis and tensions between South Korea and North Korea persisted throughout the 1970s. The South Korean military headquarters in Seoul received information that the North Korean army had a tank fleet of about 1600 T-54/55 and T-62 tanks, and the regime possessed its own production capabilities. This was confirmed in February 1976 when the USA provided satellite images of multiple tank production lines in North Korea.

M48 tank with 105 mm gun / Photo: Jakub Link-Lenczowski, MILMAG

South Korea experienced a crisis as a result. In July 1975, the president approved the initial plans, and in 1977, Hyundai Precision & Industries Corporation was established with the goal of modernization of the M48A1/M48A2 to the M48A3K standard (with a 90mm gun) / M48A5K (105mm) and development a new tank.

At first, the Korean authorities turned to the USA for a license to produce M60A1 tanks, planning later development of a Korean tank. However, the United States rejected the request, considering South Korea’s production and economic capabilities, as well as the threats from North Korea, unrealistic. In response, South Korea began negotiations with the German company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann (KMW) to discuss the production of the Leopard 1 under a license and the development of a new tank. As negotiations dragged on, Seoul eventually abandoned the idea of acquisition of the Leopard 1, also due to opposition from the Korean army leadership regarding the specifications of the German tank, maintenance issues, and overall dependence on American equipment.

M1 Abrams and K1 tanks / Photo: Public domain

As a result, the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Korea launched a new program aimed at developing a third-generation tank similar to the M1 Abrams in collaboration with foreign defense contractors and using its own technology. This program was codenamed ROKIT (Republic Of Korea Indigenous Tank), and Seoul once again began negotiations with the US government and American companies. As a result, Korea received proposals for cooperation in developing a new tank from Chrysler Defense and AAI.

Chrysler proposed launching a tank project similar to the M1 Abrams but adapted to Korean requirements. This was the best option for Seoul, so in 1976, Chrysler Defense was chosen as the tank designer under the ROKIT program.

ROKIT tank mock-up made by AAI / Photo: Public domain

AAI separately offered a 36-ton ROKIT tank with four crew members, powered by an 800 HP Detroit Diesel 12V71 TA engine, equipped with a 105mm M68 gun, and autoloader. However, due to its lightweight, compact hull, high cost, and mismatch with Korean requirements, AAI’s proposal was rejected, and further design work was entrusted to Chrysler.

XK1 Tank Prototype

XK1 PV-1 Tank Prototype / Photo: Public domain

In May 1978, the Korean government signed a memorandum of understanding with the US government regarding the development of a tank under the ROKIT program. Work began in 1981, and despite Chrysler Defense being sold to General Dynamics and renamed General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) in March 1982, developmental work continued. Korea sent teams from the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and Hyundai Research and Technology to participate in the development process and facilitate technology transfer.

The prototype tanks were given the working name XK1, and the first prototype, XK1 PV-1, was built in August 1983 as an automotive test rig (ATR), so its turret was non-functional.

XK1 PV-2 Tank Prototype / Photo: Public domain

The second prototype, XK1 PV-2, was built in November 1983 as the Fire Control Test Rig (FCTR), and the Korean industry developed basic equipment, such as the fire control system. Both the XK1 and early K1 tanks used fire control systems (Nd:YAG laser rangefinder and the Gunner’s Primary Sight System, GPSS) from Hughes Corporation. However, they were later replaced with the Gunner’s Primary Tank Thermal Sight (GPTTS) from TI Corporation in the K1 starting from the 478th serial unit, and the commander’s sight was replaced with the VS-580 from SFIM Industries.

Test firing of XK1 PV-2 Tank Prototype / Photo: Public domain

The XK1 tank had numerous technical safety requirements, and its test evaluation began in 1984 at the American Aberdeen Proving Ground and lasted for a year, during which engine and mobility issues arose.

In particular, the required performance was not met during tests conducted from December 1983 to April 5, 1984.

REQUIREMENTS

PERFORMANCE

Acceleration verification test

10.5 seconds 14.6 seconds
0 to 30.5 kph (19.8 mph) 0 to 30.5 kph (19.8 mph)
Driving on 60% slope 14.5 kph (9.7 mph) Failed
Driving on 10% slope 24.2 kph (15.2 mph) 29 kph (18.6 mph)

Fuel consumption test

235.21 L per 100km (1.0 mpg)

392.02 L per 100km (0.6 mpg)

 

The engines of prototypes PV-1 and PV-2 were damaged on March 13 (loss of power) and April 5, 1984 (malfunction during transport to the proving ground), respectively, and the investigation revealed piston and VCR valve damage. The engines were repaired. On June 14, endurance tests of prototype PV-1 resumed, but on June 16, an engine fire broke out, leading to the suspension of all tests. As a result, the engine was the main cause of the initial XK-1 failures.

AVCR-1790 engine used by XK-1 / Photo: Defense Media Agency

The first two XK1 tanks, PV-1/PV-2, built in the United States, were equipped with the Continental AVCR-1790 diesel engine, but earlier tests showed that they were unreliable. As a result, the XK-1 prototype powertrain design was changed, equipping it with the MTU MB-871 Ka-501 engine. However, the ZF LSG-3000 gearbox remained unchanged.

XK1 Prototype / Photo: HyunMin Park, MILMAG

Additionally, to facilitate domestic production, testing was continued in Korea, resulting in a total of five XK1 prototypes, including three in the USA.

In Korea, the XK1 prototypes were operated and improved not without difficulties, and development was ultimately completed in 1985. Starting from July 1987, the K1 tank was mass-produced at the Hyundai factory in Changwon, with 1027 units produced under the official name K1, where “K” stands for “Korea”.

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