South Korean defence prime Hanwha Aerospace has signed an agreement with Malaysian automotive repair and special vehicle manufacturer Cendana Auto to upgrade the ageing K200 tracked infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) that have been in Malaysian Army service for over 30 years, the company announced on 2 August.
Hanwha Aerospace stated that under the terms of the agreement, both companies will select a prototype vehicle for initial upgrades and test and evaluation. The intention is to subsequently roll out the selected upgrade package to the army’s K200 fleet.
The Malaysian Army is the only export customer of the vehicle with around 111 K200 vehicles delivered by South Korea from the 1990s, and subsequently acquired another batch of upgraded K200A1 IFVs that featured an improved powerpack as well as armour and nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) enhancements.
“This initiative represents a significant step for Hanwha Aerospace to bolster its reputation as a trusted and reliable defence suppliers in the global market by conducting all levels of activities from arms development and manufacturing to the supply of components, and even maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services,” the company said.
The signing of the teaming agreement was witnessed by Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) Secretary General Datuk Seri Isham Bin Ishak.
The latest development comes after South Korea expressed interest in collaborating with Malaysia to upgrade its K200 IFV fleet at the Defence Services Asia exhibition in Kuala Lumpur in May. At that time Defense Acquisition Programme Administration (DAPA) Minister Seok Jong-gun noted South Korea’s desire to enter into a defence logistics cooperation with Malaysia.
Seoul is clearly hoping to ride on its recent major success in Malaysia, which has agreed in early 2023 to acquire 18 Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) 18 FA-50 Block 20 aircraft for the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) worth over US$800 million.
by Jr Ng
