T80 and south korea

[kicker]

Ive seen many different sources stating that south korea uses both the t80 and the bmp3 can any one shed some light on this. I dont know why they would own t80s when they have the baby abrams, one theory I have is that was a way for us to get our hands on some, with the russians being needing hard currency they turnd a blind eye? I know we have a agency that is tasked with just that - buying foriegn equipment for us to evaluate. Or the Koreans wanted trade to increase with russia and buying their equipment was just politics. I am shooting in the dark here.

[Hoop Snake]

I can't figure that one out either. Why have they got them? Maybe the Russians used them instead of hard currency to pay for trade? Alot of countries, particularly smaller economy agricultural type, trade in goods rather than cash.

[Templeton Peck]

Originally Posted by Chrisjsmith

I can't figure that one out either. Why have they got them? Maybe the Russians used them instead of hard currency to pay for trade? Alot of countries, particularly smaller economy agricultural type, trade in goods rather than cash.

Sounds like a prime set-up for some tank fratricide. I'll have to be careful what I shoot at on my way to the Yalu...

If I see some when I get over there, I'll see if I can dig up an answer -- so remind me in 7 months!

[kruser79]

In my year over there the only tanks I saw were the K1s. I guess if you want to study opponents stuff, you either buy it somewhere, or whup somebody's butt and haul them off the battlefield, lol......

[The_Federalist]

Originally Posted by Chrisjsmith

I can't figure that one out either. Why have they got them? Maybe the Russians used them instead of hard currency to pay for trade? Alot of countries, particularly smaller economy agricultural type, trade in goods rather than cash.

Close but not quite on target.

South Korea gave Russia a billion or so in loans to normalize relations in the early 90s. Both sides agreed in 2002 that to defray the cost of the loan Russia would sell South Korea the most modern Russian equipment at a huge discount.

The result is South Korea is now the owner of some really outstanding new equipment T80, BMP3s, and transport helicopters at bargain prices. Considering that South Korea still relies on the M48 and KIFV (M113) as the backbone of it's mechanized forces, this goes a long way to modernize its military. This also keeps modern weapons out of the hands of potential adversaries in the region (DPRK and ROC all always looking to buy new Russian tanks.)

[The_Federalist]

http://www.globalsecurity.org/milita...-equipment.htm

2002
MBT
Type 88(K1) 1000
M-47 400
M-48A5 850
T-80U 80

AIFV
BMP-3 40

APC
KIFV 1700
M-113 420
Fiat 200
M-577 140
BTR-80 20

[kruser79]

Originally Posted by The_Federalist

Considering that South Korea still relies on the M48 and KIFV (M113) as the backbone of it's mechanized forces, this goes a long way to modernize its military.

The KIFV? Is that the little 113 looking piece that has the sloping sides as opposed to flat verticle ones like ours?