SNT Motiv, South Korea’s best-known small arms manufacturer, announced during Seoul ADEX 2023, held from 17-22 October, that its STC16 carbine had received the nomenclature K13 from the Ministry of National Defense after being selected for use by the country’s Special Warfare Command.

SNT Motiv stated, “The K13 submachine gun, which was selected for the Special Operations Submachine Gun Type II project, was developed with proprietary technology by applying global trends in rifle development, and accuracy and durability were improved based on the latest manufacturing technology.”

“Following the determination of its combat capability last April,” the manufacturer continued, “a supply contract was signed with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), and it is scheduled to be put into service starting in December. Based on this, SNT Motiv plans to invest more actively in research and development for its next rifle business.”

The K13 5.56mm carbine will be allocated to special forces units to replace the badly aging K1/K1A submachine gun that has served more than 40 years. The first units to receive it will be the 13th Special Mission Brigade of the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA), the Special Warfare Flotilla of the ROK Navy, and the Combat Control Team of the ROK Air Force.

South Korea was originally planning to acquire a foreign-made weapon such as the HK416 or SIG MCX for this requirement, but the STC16 was deemed acceptable after it underwent a yearlong evaluation to ensure it met tough military standards. Acquisition of this weapon is a major step forward for ROK special forces, as the K1A was inadequate for the demands of contemporary warfare.

Small Arms Defense Journal understands that some 1,710 K13s have been ordered under an initial contract. While this number is relatively small, it does set a foundation for further sales as the ROK military seeks to field a next generation of carbines, plus it encourages SNT Motiv to actively sell the weapon on the export market.

In terms of nomenclature, “ST” denotes that a weapon is a company offering, while a “K” prefix is only provided once it is officially adopted by the South Korean military. The STC16 is modular, so components such as barrels, handguards and stocks are interchangeable. A suppressor will also be issued as standard. The carbine uses a short-stroke gas-operated piston.

It is chambered in 5.56 x 45mm caliber, and it weighs 6.6 pounds (3kg). The free-floating barrel is available in three lengths: 10.5-inch (265mm), 11.5-inch (292mm) and 14.5 inch (368mm), creating a weapon that measures between 29.5 and 31.9 inches (750 and 810mm) long overall. The weapons being delivered to ROK special forces all possess the 11.5-inch barrel.

MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rails over the receiver and forend at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions allow various auxiliary devices to be attached, plus there is a foldable iron sight. It has ambidextrous control handles, magazine catches, and charging handles. The extendable stock has five positions, the handguard is compatible with the M4 series, and it is also useable with polymer magazines.

While the STC16/K13 took pride of place on SNT Motiv’s stand at Seoul ADEX 2023, other relatively new weapons on display were the STSM21 submachine gun, the hammerless STP9 pistol, the K15 and K15PARA 5.56mm light machine guns, the STSR23 7.62mm semiautomatic sniper rifle and the K16 7.62mm medium machine gun. The latter was launched last year, and the K15 in 2020.

The aforementioned STSR23 semiautomatic sniper rifle fires 7.62 x 51mm (308 Winchester) rounds. Although its first development phase is completed, a company spokesperson said the sniper rifle will continue to undergo further refinements; the project only commenced earlier this year. The STSR23 weighs 14.3 pounds (6.5kg) and is available with either a 20-inch (508mm) or 24-inch (609mm) barrel to give an overall length of 42.9 or 44.1 inches (1.09m or 1.12m) respectively. The company remains hopeful it will be eventually adopted by the ROK military as a replacement for the K14 7.62mm bolt-action sniper rifle.

The STSR20 12.7mm anti-materiel rifle is also in development as a company project, and a prototype was displayed at the Seoul exhibition. This rifle has a 29-inch (736.6mm) barrel, and it weighs approximately 30.9 pounds (14kg).

Moving on, the STSM21 is a 9 x 19mm submachine gun weighing 6.6 pounds (3kg) for close-quarters battle. Its free-floating barrel length is 8.6 inches (220mm) and, overall, the STSM21 measures 24-26.4 inches (610-670mm) long. SNT Motiv started development of this weapon with delayed blowback operating system in 2021.

The STP9 9mm striker-fired pistol was unveiled at DX Korea 2022, while the one shown at Seoul ADEX 2023 was stamped with the description STP9A. It weighs 1.6 pounds (740g) and has a 4.3-inch (109mm) barrel. Interestingly, it features an M59-compatible magazine, which would permit the ROK military to reuse existing pistol magazines. Although no tender exercise has yet been announced, SNT Motiv is hoping it could potentially replace the K5 pistol widely used by South Korea’s military.

Although SNT Motiv emerged triumphant with its STC16 in the Special Operations Submachinegun Type II program, the earlier Type I project has still not been resolved. This program represents a requirement for nearly 16,000 carbines, and Dasan Machineries, another South Korean small arms firm, had won the tender with its DSAR-15PC. However, DAPA halted this effort in 2021 after it was discovered that Dasan employees “had unauthorized access beforehand to the type of weapons the agency was planning to develop,” according to The Korean Herald.

However, the Type I project was recently reinitiated, and SNT Motiv is expected to submit an improved version of the STC16/K13 for this other carbine competition. Once both the Special Operations Submachinegun Type I and II programs are completed, the MND will doubtlessly look to launch a widespread replacement for ubiquitous K2 and K2C1 assault rifles.

Honeywell today announced it has received an order for 41 T55-GA-714A engines to support South Korea’s procurement of new CH-47F aircraft as part of an effort to replace its older CH-47D aircraft. The order and supply of the T55 engines is managed through the office of U.S. Army Foreign Military Sales.

Honeywell’s T55 engine is a world leader in powering heavy lift helicopters. Over 1,000 CH-47 helicopters powered by T55s are operated today by militaries and civil aviation entities around the world. Honeywell’s latest T55-GA-714A engine configuration produces nearly 5,000 shaft horsepower, powering Chinook aircraft up to 170 knots even in demanding operating conditions.

“We have a longstanding relationship with South Korea, and we appreciate the opportunity to continue supporting them on their new CH-47F Block I Helicopters with our latest T55-GA-714A engine configuration,” said Dave Marinick, president, Engines and Power Systems, Honeywell Aerospace. “The latest contract to supply 41 T55 engines is a testament to South Korea’s confidence in our battle-proven engines. To date, our T55 engines have logged some 12 million hours of operation on the Boeing CH-47 and MH-47 Chinook helicopters.”

Honeywell first delivered the T55 engine to the U.S. Army in 1961 at 2,200 shaft horsepower for the CH-47A helicopter. Since then, the engine’s power has more than doubled to a 5,000-shaft horsepower class engine with ongoing development designed to increase the potential output further while improving maintainability, reliability and reducing operating costs.

Honeywell continues to evolve and improve the T55 family of engines with our development work on the T55-GA-714C. The next generation 714C engine grows to a 6,000-shaft horsepower class engine, while consuming 8% less fuel than the current T55.

Please visit Honeywell at AUSA, Booth #6841 in Halls D and E, to learn more about how we’re helping support the U.S. Army and its allies.

About Honeywell

Honeywell Aerospace products and services are found on virtually every commercial, defense and space aircraft. The Aerospace business unit builds aircraft engines, cockpit and cabin electronics, wireless connectivity systems, mechanical components and more. Its hardware and software solutions create more fuel-efficient aircraft, more direct and on-time flights, and safer skies and airports. For more information, visit www.honeywell.com or follow us at @Honeywell_Aero.

Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a technology company that delivers industry-specific solutions that include aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings and industry; and performance materials globally. Our technologies help aircraft, buildings, manufacturing plants, supply chains and workers become more connected to make our world smarter, safer and more sustainable. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom.

The Targi Kielce Defence Industry Expo brought 711 exhibitors from 35 countries, including 350 Polish companies. The trade fair hosted 61 delegations from 43 countries. This 2023’s MSPO exhibition covered a record-breaking area of over 34,000 sq m. For the first time in its history, MSPO display was also located in an additional temporary hall of 2,800 square meters Almost 26,000 guests from all over the world attended MSPO 2023. MSPO was visited by Poland’s President Andrzej Duda, who has granted his honorary auspices to the Expo. In addition to the president, the event was also graced with the presence of Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and Mariusz Błaszczak, Minister of National Defence and Jacek Siewiera, the head of the National Security Bureau. Korea was featured as the Lead Nation Exhibition;  the Korean delegation prepared was headed by the Eom Dong-hwan, the Minister of Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) of the Republic of Korea. The commanding staff of the Polish Army also took part in the event.

“The Kielce expo has become increasingly popular year-after-year. It is safe to say that it clearly contributes to the economic development of this region and the entire Republic of Poland,” said Andrzej Duda, President of the Republic of Poland, at the opening ceremony of the International Defence Industry Exhibition.

Korean dancing dragon

The South Korea Lead Nation Exhibition presented the country’s most outstanding and most important achievements in the defence sector. The display includes equipment ordered by the Polish army, such as Chunmoo missile launchers and K2 tanks, which are soon to be used by the Polish Armed Forces. The Korean defense industry’s potential was presented by 31 companies. The Korean expo presentation was complemented by a show of taekwondo masters and performances by the Naval Orchestra, accompanied by dancers in traditional dragon outfits.

Contracts worth billions at MSPO

Contracts worth PLN 100 billion were approved by the Minister of National Defence, Mariusz Błaszczak during the 31st edition of MSPO in Targi Kielce. Half of this amount will go to the Polish arms industry. Contracts concluded between the state treasury and the government of the United States of America concerning the purchase of elements of the WISŁA anti-aircraft and anti-missile defense system were also signed during MSPO. Poland will obtain 12 omnidirectional LTAMDS radars, 48 launchers of the PATRIOT M903 system and a supply of PAC-3 MSE missiles. Other agreements relate to the supply the Narew and Pilica+ programs’ components, NSM anti-ship missiles for the next two squadrons, and FlyEye reconnaissance drones. 1,700 of these uncrewed aerial vehicles are to be delivered by WB Electronics.  

About 20 contracts and agreements were concluded by the Polish Armaments Group on the first three days of the show, including financially binding agreements worth PLN 54.1 billion. PLN 100 million of this amount has been earmarked for Mesko in Skarżysko for ammunition, including anti-aircraft missiles. Some of the agreements signed during MSPO will soon translate directly into economic value; among them is the contract for the production of American Javelin anti-tank missiles in Mesko. The Skarżysko-based company will be the first foreign plant where Javelins will be produced. The contract value is expected to reach hundreds of millions of PLN.

DEFENDER Gala Awarding Ceremony

One of the last highlights of the International Defence Industry Exhibition was the presentation ceremony of the DEFENDER awards, which culminated the show. DEFENDER is awarded every year by the Kielce defence trade show’s Programme Board and the Jury Panel.  The gala began with state awards for people who contributed to the development of the Polish defense industry and to strengthening the country’s sovereignty and defense capabilities. On behalf of the President of the Republic of Poland, Andrzej Duda, the decoration was made by the Deputy Head of the National Security Bureau, Lieutenant General Dariusz Łukowski.

The gala was the occasion to bestow the two equal awards of President of the Republic of Poland for the product which best serves the purpose of the RP Armed Forces soldiers’ safety enhancement, other distinctions include a special award of the head of the national security bureau, the minister of national defence’s accolades and a special mention of the minister of development and technology, the award of the President of Targi Kielce and the Top Design award for the expo booth arrangement.

The awarding ceremony also saw the presentation of the operational commander of the branches of Armed Forces, distinctions of the commander of territorial defence forces, awards and distinctions of the head of the inspectorate of support for the Armed Forces, the special distinction of the programme board and awards of the president of the Targi Kielce management board, a special distinction of the programme board and, for the first time in the history of MSPO, the award of the president of the Polish space agency. Companies celebrating their anniversaries this year were also honoured.

We look forward to seeing you at Targi Kielce’s 32nd MSPO –  the International Defence Industry Exhibition. Save the date for 3-6 September 2024.