K1A1 Rokit

The K1A1 is a South Korean main battle tank developed as an upgrade to the baseline K1. System development began in 1991 by the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) and Hyundai Precision Industry. The program was initiated following reports that North Korea had acquired T-72 tanks, necessitating an increase in firepower from the 105mm rifled gun to a 120mm smoothbore system. The first K1A1 prototype was delivered in April 1996. Although mass production was intended for 1997, the 1997 Asian financial crisis delayed the program until 1999. The first production vehicles were released in October 2001.

The vehicle is armed with a KM256 120mm 44-caliber smoothbore gun, a licensed version of the American M256. It carries 32 rounds of ammunition, including the K276 armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS). This ammunition utilizes tungsten heavy alloy penetrators featuring a self-sharpening process. Secondary armament includes a 12.7mm K6 heavy machine gun at the commander's hatch, a 7.62mm M60D machine gun for the loader, and a 7.62mm M60E2-1 coaxial machine gun.

The fire control system utilizes 32-bit digital ballistic computers. Sensory equipment includes the Korean Gunner’s Primary Sight (KGPS) and the Korean Commander’s Panoramic Sight (KCPS). The KGPS incorporates an eye-safe Raman laser rangefinder and thermal imaging. The KCPS provides thermal optics to the commander, enabling hunter-killer capabilities.

Armor protection consists of Korean Special Armor Plate (KSAP), a domestic composite armor. The KSAP provides a protection level estimated at 600mm against kinetic energy projectiles on the frontal arc. The design incorporates technology influenced by the American M1 Abrams and the Russian T-80U. The vehicle includes an automatic Halon 1301 fire-extinguishing system in the engine room but lacks an overpressure system for CBRN defense, requiring crews to wear personal protective gear.

Mobility is provided by a water-cooled 8-cylinder diesel engine producing 1,200 hp, paired with an automatic transmission featuring four forward and two reverse gears. The suspension system is a hybrid design using hydropneumatic units on road wheels 1, 2, and 6, with torsion bars on wheels 3, 4, and 5. This configuration allows the vehicle to use kneeling to supplement the depression of the main gun.

The K1A1 is operated by the Republic of Korea Army and Marine Corps. Production occurred in two batches between 1999 and 2011. Since 2012, the fleet has undergone upgrades to the K1A2 standard, which integrates a digital battlefield management system, identification friend or foe (IFF) equipment, and surveillance cameras. The K1A2 achieved full operational capability in September 2024.