Hanwha Systems Supplies K2-Class Thermal Imaging Devices for K1A1 Sights

[Asia Economy Reporter Yang Nak-gyu] Hanwha Systems will supply the latest thermal imaging devices of K2 tank grade to the sights of the K1A1 tank. The supply amount is approximately 150 billion KRW.

According to Hanwha Systems on the 28th, Hanwha Systems signed a supply contract worth 21.3 billion KRW with the military for 'K1A1 tank commander and gunner sight components' and plans to prioritize supplying the latest thermal imaging devices to the sights of 70 K1A1 tanks this year.

The sight, which serves as the "eyes" of the tank, plays a pivotal role in accurately observing targets day and night and aiming, thereby increasing the attack success rate against enemy tanks. It is a crucial piece of equipment directly linked to the tank's survivability in wartime situations.

When the latest thermal imaging device of K2 tank grade is applied to the K1A1 tank, it is expected to dramatically improve the tank's combat power and survivability by demonstrating the 'Hunter Killer' function instead of the old equipment used so far.

The 'Hunter Killer' function is a core operational feature of the tank, allowing the tank commander to relay target information observed and acquired to the gunner, enabling rapid engagement with multiple targets.

In addition, overall performance for mission execution is expected to improve, including the reduction of stripe noise phenomenon, reduction of glare, and enhanced observation convenience, thereby increasing the efficiency of equipment operation and maintenance.

Hanwha Systems successfully applied the latest thermal imaging device, identical to that of the K2 tank, to the K1A1 tank while carrying out the 'K1A1 gunner and tank commander sight technology modification project' led by the Army Logistics Staff in 2019, enhancing performance to enable combat under any all-weather conditions.

A Hanwha Systems official stated, "Through the 'technology modification' project for the K1A1 gunner and tank commander sights, we were able to reduce costs, shorten the power-up period, and successfully improve the performance of the thermal imaging device," adding, "We hope to equip the K1 tank, which operates on the same platform as the K1A1, with the latest thermal imaging devices through the 'technology modification' method in the future based on military policy decisions and verification tests."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.