Hanwha Biho-II Modular Short-Range Air-Defense System

Biho-II is a modular short-range air-defense system being developed by Hanwha Defense.

Its high level of modularity allows the system to swap out various components, such as its armament, sensors, and even the chassis, to meet customer requirement. 

Biho's guns and missiles can be fired while moving and depending on the module, anti-tank guided missiles can be installed to serve as an anti-tank platform.

The basic chassis is the 8x8 variant of the recently-unveiled Hanwha Tigon armored personnel carrier, but can also be replaced with a tracked vehicle, towed trailer, and etc.

Biho-II is currently for export only, as the Republic of Korea Army does not have any pending requirement for new short-range air-defense system. Hanwha plans to offer Biho-II to potential foreign customers including the United States, Canada, India, and the United Arab Emirates. It plans on offering the Biho-II to ROK Army if foreign sales are successful.

Source: Sheldon's Naver Blog

Weight: < 30,000 kg

Crew: 3 (unmamnned turret)

Size: 3,950 x 3,050 x 7,800 (wheeled variant)

Max Speed: 100 KPH

Range: 800 km

Primary Armament: Anti-aircraft gun

Secondary Armament: Surface-to-air missile (short / medium range)

Tertiary Armament: Anti-tank guided missile or Laser (optional)

Primary Sensor: 3D air search radar

Secondary Sensor: Counter-drone radar

Tertiary Sensor: Electro-optical sensor (option)

Photo Credits: Sheldon's Naver Blog

Biho-II model unveiled during AUSA 2018. Original K30 Biho is seen on the left.

Photo Credit: Chosun Ilbo

Original K30 Biho SPAAG in service with the Republic of Korea Army.

Photo Credit: Hanwha

Spain proposes "Swap Deal" of transport and trainer aircraft to South Korea

The Spanish government has proposed a 'Swap Deal' of its Airbus A400M transport aircraft with South Korean KT-1 and T-50 trainer aircraft.

Airbus A400M Atlas transport aircraft

Photo Source: Airbus

Representatives from both governments are expected to meet later this month in Madrid to discuss defense partnerships. Among the topic that will be discussed is aircraft procurement between the two governments.

According to inside sources, Spain has shown interest in trading 4~6 Airbus A400M Atlas transport aircraft with around 30 KT-1 Woongbi basic trainer aircraft and 20 T-50 Golden Eagle advanced trainer aircraft manufactured by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). The Spanish Air Force currently operates aging fleet of T-35 Pillán and C-101 Aviojet trainer aircraft.

Spanish officials reportedly expressed such interest last July during Farnborough Airshow held in the United Kingdom and has yet to receive an answer.

34 KT-1, 20 T-50, and various ground equipment are expected to cost approximately $1.8 billion. A400M's unit cost is estimated to be around $187 million according to a French military report from 2013.

KT-1 Woongbi basic trainer aircraft

T-50 Golden Eagle advanced trainer aircraft

Photo Sources: Korea Aerospace Industries 

The Spanish Ministry of Defence has ordered 27 A400M from Airbus, but has decided withhold putting 13 of these aircraft into service.

This news comes at a time where the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) is looking to beef up its tactical airlift fleet. The ROKAF was originally set to operate a total of 19 C-130 series of aircraft, but was only able to procure 16 due to budget restraints. It expressed interest in the C-17, but the production ceased before any decision was made.

An unnamed Air Force official claims that additional transport aircraft are needed for supporting foreign peacekeeping operations and evacuation of its citizens. The ROKAF recently deployed multiple C-130s to Indonesia for humanitarian operations, to Saipan for citizen evacuation, and to Alaska for participation in Red Flag exercise.

The ROKAF currently operates 4 C-130J Super Hercules, 12 C-130H Hercules, and 18 CN-235 transport aircraft. It is also set to receive first of four A330 MRTT refueling aircraft, which can also be used in transport role.

Source: Yonhap News