Defence & Space

Poland’s 6th Airborne Sharpshooters Complete Training with New Grot DMR

In July, the first-ever course in the Polish Armed Forces for sharpshooters equipped with semi-automatic Grot 7.62×51 designated marksman rifles took place…

2025-07-15 | Jakub Link-Lenczowski | 5 minutes

5000 more Galvion’s Batlskin Caiman helmets for the Canadian DICE programme

Galvion receives further follow-on Batlskin Caiman order of 5000 helmets, for the Canadian Dismounted Infantry Capability Enhancement (DICE) programme.

2025-07-15 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

SIPRI: Nuclear risks grow as new arms race looms

The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute published a report entitled SIPRI Yearbook 2025, which, among other things, discusses the issue of…

2025-06-16 | Redakcja | 10 minutes

Polish 35 mm SA-35 Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun with PIT-Radwar

During the recent MSPO trade fair in Kielce, the company PIT-Radwar presented its proposal for a 35 mm self-propelled anti-aircraft gun designated…

2025-06-13 | Przemysław Gurgurewicz | 13 minutes

Poland’s 6th Airborne Sharpshooters Complete Training with New Grot DMR

In July, the first-ever course in the Polish Armed Forces for sharpshooters equipped with semi-automatic Grot 7.62×51 designated marksman rifles took place…

2025-07-15 | Jakub Link-Lenczowski | 5 minutes

Second Delivery of K9A1 Thunder Howitzers to Poland This Year

A shipment of 155 mm K9A1 Thunder self-propelled howitzers arrived in Poland from the Republic of Korea, the second delivery of its…

2025-07-15 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes

Orion: The Force Multiplier that led the IDF to unmatched ground superiority

Orion, developed by Asio Technologies in collaboration with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) technology division and in full operational deployment by the IDF, has…

2025-07-09 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

SKW Cryptographic Security Certificate for Polish Comp@n Radio Set from the WB Group

The WB Group announced that the Comp@n system radio set, developed by its subsidiary Radmor, along with the Cryptographic Document Management…

2025-06-14 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

Wescom Defence to Unveil ATMIS Multispectral Camouflage at DSEI 2025

Wescom Defence, a trusted provider of pyrotechnics, energetics and a wide range of reliable products and systems to global defence forces, will officially…

2025-07-14 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

2nd S.E.A.L Conference under Our media patronage

We are pleased to announce that MILMAG Military Magazine has become the media patron of the second edition of the SE.A.L Conference,…

2025-07-11 | Redakcja | 1 minutes

5000 more Galvion’s Batlskin Caiman helmets for the Canadian DICE programme

Galvion receives further follow-on Batlskin Caiman order of 5000 helmets, for the Canadian Dismounted Infantry Capability Enhancement (DICE) programme.

2025-07-15 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

ICEYE unveils machine learning-powered Flood Rapid Impact Product to revolutionize response

The Polish-Finnish company ICEYE, a specialist in satellite-powered disaster management solutions, has announced the launch of Flood Rapid Impact (FRI).

2025-07-15 | Redakcja | 5 minutes

Illegal migration to Europe in the first five months of 2025

The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) has published statistics on attempted illegal crossings of the EU’s external borders in the…

2025-07-08 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

LOT Polish Airlines Selected for Air Transport and MEDEVAC under the EU’s rescEU Program

LOT Polish Airlines has signed an agreement to provide air transport and MEDEVAC services. As part of the EU’s rescEU instrument under…

2025-07-07 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

Poland’s 6th Airborne Sharpshooters Complete Training with New Grot DMR

In July, the first-ever course in the Polish Armed Forces for sharpshooters equipped with semi-automatic Grot 7.62×51 designated marksman rifles took place…

2025-07-15 | Jakub Link-Lenczowski | 5 minutes

5000 more Galvion’s Batlskin Caiman helmets for the Canadian DICE programme

Galvion receives further follow-on Batlskin Caiman order of 5000 helmets, for the Canadian Dismounted Infantry Capability Enhancement (DICE) programme.

2025-07-15 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Illegal migration to Europe in the first five months of 2025

The European Border and Coast Guard Agency (Frontex) has published statistics on attempted illegal crossings of the EU’s external borders in the…

2025-07-08 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

East Shield and the Baltic Defense Line: Cooperation and Investment in Defense Are the Cornerstone of Europe’s Security

East Shield, the Baltic Defense Line, the integration of available deterrence and defense capabilities, and EU defense funding were the main…

2025-07-02 | Redakcja | 2 minutes

ICEYE unveils machine learning-powered Flood Rapid Impact Product to revolutionize response

The Polish-Finnish company ICEYE, a specialist in satellite-powered disaster management solutions, has announced the launch of Flood Rapid Impact (FRI).

2025-07-15 | Redakcja | 5 minutes

LYOFOOD Pierogi Become First Polish Dish Eaten in Space

Yesterday, during a live broadcast from the International Space Station, our astronaut Dr. Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski, together with Axiom-4 mission commander Peggy…

2025-07-07 | Rafał Muczyński | 3 minutes
Shooting

Galvion’s Caiman Helmets from Gdańsk

Two weeks have passed since the memorable Monday, June 23, of this year. The emotions have settled, and the long…

2025-07-10 | Dariusz Borkowski | 10 minutes

CZ Shooting Team athletes take home 13 medals from the CZ Extreme Euro Open

Sport shooters representing Ceska zbrojovka brought back six gold, four silver, and three bronze medals from Hodonice, along with four…

2025-07-04 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

Upgraded Z8i Scope from SWAROVSKI OPTIK

Swarovski Optik, the Austrian optics manufacturer with nearly 80 years of tradition, has unveiled an upgraded version of its Z8i…

2025-07-03 | Mariusz Piwowar | 3 minutes

Streamlight introduces the SL-SideSaddle

Streamlight, Inc., a leading provider of high-performance lighting tools, announces the SL-SideSaddle series, a new hands-free lighting solution built for outdoor adventure…

2025-07-01 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Galvion’s Caiman Helmets from Gdańsk

Two weeks have passed since the memorable Monday, June 23, of this year. The emotions have settled, and the long…

2025-07-10 | Dariusz Borkowski | 10 minutes

IFRE 2025: Maskpol Showcases Protective Suits and Gas Masks

Maskpol, a company within the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ), presented part of its product range—protective suits and gas masks—at the 5th…

2025-06-17 | Michał Ihnatów | 2 minutes

Galvion’s Caiman Helmets from Gdańsk

Two weeks have passed since the memorable Monday, June 23, of this year. The emotions have settled, and the long…

2025-07-10 | Dariusz Borkowski | 10 minutes

CZ Shooting Team athletes take home 13 medals from the CZ Extreme Euro Open

Sport shooters representing Ceska zbrojovka brought back six gold, four silver, and three bronze medals from Hodonice, along with four…

2025-07-04 | Redakcja | 4 minutes

CZ Introduces the New CZ P-10 C PORTED Model

CZ P-10 C PORTED – a compact pistol with tamed recoil thanks to an integrated compensator.

2025-07-02 | Redakcja | 3 minutes

Meprolight MMX3 and MMX4 – Lightweight Magnifiers with Quality Optics

The Mepro MMX3 and MMX4, a new line of compact magnifiers from the Israeli manufacturer. How do they perform in practice and how…

2025-06-27 | Krzysztof Ptak | 8 minutes

Paris Air Show 2025: Bayraktar TB3 Debuts

The 55th edition of the International Paris Air and Space Show, held in the French capital, provided an opportunity for Baykar…

2025-06-19 | Radosław Niesobski | 3 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

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 a permit, with…

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 Poles.…

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 | 9 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

Meprolight MMX3 and MMX4 – Lightweight Magnifiers with Quality Optics

The Mepro MMX3 and MMX4, a new line of compact magnifiers from the Israeli manufacturer. How do they perform in practice and how…

2025-06-27 | Krzysztof Ptak | 8 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 is practically…

2025-06-09 | Anna Mielczarek | 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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