The South Korean Army has deployed its first advanced command post vehicles to ensure smooth coordination among its units during emergency situations.
According to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), an undisclosed number of the vehicles were handed over to the 25th Infantry Division in Yangju, about 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) north of Seoul.
The armored vehicles are reportedly equipped with state-of-the-art communications systems, allowing for improved combat command on the move.
They are also designed to endure powerful enemy strikes and have increased protection against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats.
The Korean Army plans to deploy 600 advanced command post vehicles by 2029. Apart from the army, several units will also be distributed to the Marine Corps.
Features
Developed from 2017 to 2020, South Korea’s advanced command post vehicle is based on the design of the K808 wheeled armored vehicle.
It features the Army Tactical Command and Control Information System and the Battalion Battle Command System to share combat situations on a near-real time basis.
Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with a central tire inflation system and a water navigation device for operations that require crossing shallow waters.
In June 2023, DAPA awarded a 700-billion Korean won ($530 million) contract to Hyundai Rotem for the supply of an undisclosed number of command post vehicles.
They replace the country’s tent-type field command posts, which take too long to set up and are vulnerable to enemy attacks.
Introducing High-Tech Equipment
The deployment of the advanced command post vehicles is part of South Korea’s efforts to introduce high-tech equipment to the military to improve its operational capabilities.
Earlier this year, the country’s Hanwha Aerospace contracted a Polish firm to deliver cutting-edge command and control systems for its K239 Chunmoo Multiple Rocket Launch System.
Seoul also tapped the services of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering to develop a new submarine drone aimed at building “a strong marine force with qualitative superiority.”