South Korea deploys new Baekho 8X8 command post armored vehicles.

On 13 December 2023, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced the deployment of Baekho advanced command post vehicle to the army. This action is part of a broader initiative to incorporate high-tech equipment into the military, thereby improving operational effectiveness and responsiveness.
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Hyundai Rotem Baekho command post-wheeled vehicles. (Picture source: South Korea MoD)

The deployment of these Baekho command post-wheeled vehicles, which began this month, initially targets the 25th Infantry Division located in Yangju, approximately 30 kilometers north of Seoul. The plan involves deploying about 600 of these vehicles by 2029 across various Army and Marine Corps units. Traditionally, these units have relied on command post tents, which are not only time-consuming to set up but also vulnerable to enemy attacks.

The new armored vehicles provide substantial protection against enemy fire and threats such as chemical, biological, and radiological warfare. They are equipped with the latest communication systems, enabling mobile combat command capabilities. Based on the indigenous K808 wheeled armored vehicle, these command post vehicles also offer the benefit of lower maintenance costs.

As part of the Army TIGER 4.0 project, which aims to equip soldiers with state-of-the-art weapon systems, the first batch of these 20-ton vehicles will be deployed to the Army's Tiger Brigade. This brigade will act as a demonstration unit for both manned and unmanned military systems, ensuring their effectiveness and safety before wider implementation in the armed forces.

Named Baekho, the command post vehicle is designed to manage and analyze battlefield information by integrating data from various sources, including sensors, UAVs (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles), and ground troops. This integration provides commanders with a comprehensive view of the battlefield, aiding in more informed decision-making. The system is capable of planning and executing missions, as well as offering real-time intelligence and surveillance capabilities.

The Baekho vehicle, based on the K808 armored vehicle, can accommodate up to 11 personnel and is optionally equipped with a K-6 heavy machine gun. It also features enhanced protection against chemical, biological, and radiological attacks.

The K808/806 White Tiger armored personnel carrier, developed by Hyundai Rotem, a subsidiary of the Hyundai Motor Group, is part of an 8x8 and 6x6 armored vehicle family. Initiated as a private venture in 2012, these vehicles were selected by the Korean Army to build rapid response forces akin to U.S. Stryker combat brigades, outperforming competitors like the Doosan Black Fox and Samsung Techwin MPV in the process.

This deployment marks a significant step in modernizing South Korea's military capabilities, aligning with the global trend of integrating advanced technology into defense strategies.