Hanwha Aerospace Revamps Malaysian Army’s K200 Infantry Vehicles for Enhanced Combat Performance
South Korean defense powerhouse Hanwha Aerospace has secured a deal with Malaysia’s Cendana Auto to upgrade the Malaysian Army’s fleet of K200 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs).
The contract will initially include enhancing a prototype vehicle, with further enhancements to be applied across the entire fleet. Malaysia has utilized a total of 111 K200 IFVs for over thirty years, alongside a later series of upgraded K200A1 versions featuring a more powerful engine, reinforced armor, and NBC protection.
“This agreement solidifies Hanwha Aerospace’s stature as a global defense authority, encompassing all facets of the defense sector, from research and development to production and support services,” the company remarked.
Developing a Local Defense Sector
Malaysian collaborator Cendana Auto emphasized the agreement’s significance in advancing the local armored vehicle MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) industry, aiming to position Malaysia as a regional MRO center. This partnership is also anticipated to stimulate the growth of the national defense sector and provide opportunities for young Malaysians to gain knowledge in defense technology and engineering.
K200 Infantry Fighting Vehicle
The 13-ton K200 IFV is designed to transport nine infantry troops and three crew members while delivering fire support through its integrated weapon systems. Equipped with an M2 machine gun as its primary firearm and an M60 or K12 machine gun as secondary armaments, the vehicle can be additionally outfitted with remote-controlled weapon stations in its upgraded variations. Driven by a MAN-Doosan D2848T 350-horsepower engine, it boasts a range of 450 kilometers and can reach a maximum speed of 70 kilometers per hour.
