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Korea set to mass-produce new self-propelled 105 mm howitzer

June 28, 2017 - 10:51 By a2017001

South Korea said Wednesday it has completed the development of an upgraded 105 mm howitzer featuring increased agility and automated firing control.

The self-propelled artillery system combines the existing 105 mm towed howitzer with a five-ton truck as its bed.

The new self-propelled 105 mm howitzer (DAPA)

The 105 mm howitzer with a range of around 11 kilometers is known for reliability, speed and accuracy.

The Defense Acquisition Program Administration, the country's arms procurement agency, launched a project in 2015 to develop the evolved 105 mm howitzer in partnership with Hanhwa Techwin, a local defense firm.

"It was assessed as fit for combat by meeting all required operational capabilities in a recent test," DAPA said. "Accordingly, mass-production will begin in 2018 for use by our military units."

It uses an automated fire control system and an advanced GPS device, enhancing the shoot-and-scoot capability.

The number of operating personnel will be reduced to five from nine for each existing 105 mm towed howitzer. (Yonhap)