Hanwha Aerospace Transforms K200 Infantry Vehicles for the Malaysian Army’s Tactical Superiority
Renowned South Korean defense leader Hanwha Aerospace has clinched a contract with Malaysia’s Cendana Auto to enhance the Malaysian Army’s fleet of K200 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs).
This agreement will commence with the improvement of a prototype vehicle, followed by further upgrades across the entire fleet. Malaysia has operated a total of 111 K200 IFVs for over three decades, in addition to a later iteration of enhanced K200A1 models that feature a more robust engine, fortified armor, and nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) protection systems.
“This contract reinforces Hanwha Aerospace’s reputation as a worldwide defense expert, encompassing all areas of the defense industry, from research and innovation to manufacturing and support services,” the company stated.
Fostering a Local Defense Industry
Malaysian partner Cendana Auto highlighted the contract’s importance in advancing the local armored vehicle MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) sector, aspiring to establish Malaysia as a regional MRO hub. This collaboration is also expected to invigorate the growth of the national defense industry and offer opportunities for young Malaysians to acquire expertise in defense technology and engineering.
K200 Infantry Fighting Vehicle
The 13-ton K200 IFV is engineered to transport nine infantry personnel and three crew members while providing fire support via its integrated weaponry. Outfitted with an M2 machine gun as its primary weapon and an M60 or K12 machine gun as secondary firearms, the vehicle can also be enhanced with remote-controlled weapon stations in its upgraded versions. Powered by a MAN-Doosan D2848T 350-horsepower engine, it boasts a range of 450 kilometers and can achieve a top speed of 70 kilometers per hour.
