K21

The K21 is a South Korean infantry fighting vehicle designed to replace the K200 KIFV. It features an advanced modular armor system and a 40mm autocannon, providing enhanced protection and firepower for infantry support.

Development of the K21 began in 1999 under the Next-generation Infantry Fighting Vehicle (NIFV) program to counter the heavily armed BMP-3 vehicles fielded by North Korea. Following extensive testing, the vehicle officially entered service with the Republic of Korea Army in 2009. While it has not seen active combat, the K21 is a mainstay of South Korean defensive operations along the DMZ, though its early deployment required modifications to address buoyancy issues during amphibious training. Today, hundreds of K21s remain in active service, and its design has served as the technological foundation for Hanwha's AS21 Redback, which was selected for export to Australia.