SNT Motiv(064960) said on the 21st that it shipped the first mass-produced units of the next-generation submachine gun for special operations (K17) to the military. This effectively kicks off the project to replace the K1A submachine gun, which has been in service for 45 years.
The K17 is a submachine gun for special operations that uses 5.56 mm rounds. It is used for a variety of purposes, including by special operations units as well as artillery, tank crews, armored vehicle drivers, fire direction specialists, medics, signalers, military police, and company-grade commanders. SNT Motiv plans to supply 15,000 units in stages by next year.
SNT Motiv optimized the K17's weight and barrel length for operational environments such as urban warfare and airborne insertion. It also enhanced barrel durability. In addition, it adopted four-sided Picatinny rails to allow free installation of various mission equipment such as optics and tactical gear. It is designed for both right- and left-handed use, and a telescopic stock has been applied to improve ease of operation.
In particular, by adding a burst-fire function, it improved accuracy and ammunition management efficiency. It was also designed to use the existing military maintenance system as-is, reducing maintenance and operation expense, SNT Motiv said.
SNT Motiv, a leading domestic manufacturer of small-caliber firearms, plans to actively participate in the upcoming development project for the next Korean standard rifle, building on its experience with mass-producing the K17.
An SNT Motiv official said, "Based on the technology and experience accumulated while carrying out the submachine gun for special operations Types 1 and 2 project, we will secure competitiveness in the development project for the next Korean standard rifle as well."