Daewoo Precision Industries K4

Go Back to Grenade Launcher

	Weapon: Daewoo Precision Industries K4 Type: Grenade Launcher Country of Origin: South Korea Year Adopted: 1993 Overall Length (mm): 1072.0 Overall Length (in): 42.2 Weight (kg): 34.40 Weight (pounds): 75.84

The Daewoo Precision Industries K4 is a South Korean 40mm automatic grenade launcher developed in the 1980s as a domestic alternative to the American Mk 19 grenade launcher. Designed for use by the Republic of Korea Armed Forces, the K4 features a fully automatic firing system, a belt-fed mechanism, and the capability to fire a variety of 40x53mm high-velocity grenades. The weapon is typically mounted on tripods, vehicles, or naval platforms, providing effective fire support against enemy infantry, fortifications, and light vehicles. The K4 is known for its reliability, durability, and ability to deliver sustained firepower in combat situations.

Production of the K4 began in the late 1980s under Daewoo Precision Industries (now S&T Motiv), with the weapon being adopted by the South Korean military and later exported to various countries. While exact production figures remain undisclosed, the K4 has been widely integrated into South Korea's military arsenal, equipping infantry units, armored vehicles, and naval vessels. The weapon has also been supplied to foreign military forces, particularly those seeking an alternative to Western-designed automatic grenade launchers. The K4 has seen use in a variety of operational environments, from border security missions to counterinsurgency efforts.

The K4 has gained a reputation for being an effective and versatile fire support weapon, contributing to South Korea's defense modernization efforts. Its notoriety stems from its role in strengthening the firepower of South Korean forces, particularly in defensive positions along the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Additionally, its continued use in peacekeeping operations and international military exercises showcases its reliability and combat effectiveness. The K4 remains an integral part of South Korea's military inventory and is expected to continue serving as a key component of the nation's fire support capabilities for years to come.