View source for Daewoo Precision Industries K2

{{Short description|South Korean assault rifle}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name               = Daewoo Precision Industries K2
| image              = Daewoo K2 rifle 1.jpg
| image_size         = 300
| caption            = The Daewoo Precision Industries K2
| origin             = South Korea
| type               = [[Assault rifle]] (K2 & K2C1) <br />[[Carbine]] (K2C)
<!-- Type selection -->
| is_ranged          = Yes
<!-- Service history -->
| service            = 1985–present
| used_by            = See ''[[#Users|Users]]''
| wars               = [[Gulf War]]<br />[[United Nations Operation in Somalia II]]<ref>{{cite web | url=https://kookbang.dema.mil.kr/newsWeb/20210128/1/BBSMSTR_000000100138/view.do | title=허허벌판에 부대 모습이 갖춰지기 시작했다 | access-date=2021-01-30 | archive-date=2021-01-30 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210130035652/https://kookbang.dema.mil.kr/newsWeb/20210128/1/BBSMSTR_000000100138/view.do | url-status=dead }}</ref><br />[[War in Afghanistan (2001–present)|War in Afghanistan]]<ref name="wilk2010">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.asianmilitaryreview.com/CurrentIssue/dl.php?filename=201003140001071.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707174915/http://www.asianmilitaryreview.com/CurrentIssue/dl.php?filename=201003140001071.pdf |archive-date=July 7, 2011|title=Infantry Weapons: The Future Beckons for Asia|first=Remigiusz|last= Wilk|magazine=Asian Military Review }}</ref><br />[[Iraq War]]<ref name="wilk2010"/><br />[[Conflict in the Niger Delta]]<br />[[2006 Fijian coup d'état]]<br />[[Iraqi insurgency (2011–present)|Iraqi insurgency]]<br />[[War in Iraq (2013-2017)|War in Iraq]]<ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://bemil.chosun.com/nbrd/bbs/view.html?b_bbs_id=10040&num=87521|title=무기 토론방 - 유용원의 군사세계|last=BEMIL|website=bemil.chosun.com|access-date=2018-11-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181125115400/http://bemil.chosun.com/nbrd/bbs/view.html?b_bbs_id=10040&num=87521|archive-date=2018-11-25|url-status=live}}</ref><br />[[Syrian Civil War]]
<!-- Production history -->
| designer           = [[Agency for Defense Development]]<br />[[S&T Motiv|Daewoo Precision Industries]]
| design_date        = 1972–1983
| manufacturer       = Daewoo Precision Industries <small>(1982–1999)</small><br />Daewoo Telecom <small>(1999–2002)</small><br />Daewoo Precision <small>(2002–2006)</small><br />S&T Daewoo <small>(2006–2012)</small><br />S&T Motiv <small>(2012–2021)</small><br />[[SNT Motiv]] <small>(2021–present)</small><br />[[Dasan Machineries]] <small>(2016–present)</small>
| production_date    = 1982–present
| unit_cost          = US $727.00<ref name="survivalandprosperity">{{cite web|url=http://survivalandprosperity.com/tag/daewoo-precision-industries-k2/|title=Daewoo Precision Industries K2 – Survival And Prosperity|publisher=survivalandprosperity.com|access-date=2014-01-11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140111224051/http://survivalandprosperity.com/tag/daewoo-precision-industries-k2/|archive-date=2014-01-11|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| variants           = See ''[[Daewoo K2#Variants|Variants]]''
<!-- General specifications -->
| weight             =  '''K2:''' <br />{{convert|3.4|kg|lb|abbr=on}} (w/o magazine)
'''K2C:''' <br />{{convert|3.3|kg|lb|abbr=on}} (w/o magazine)
'''K2C1:''' <br />{{convert|3.6|kg|lb|abbr=on}} (w/o magazine)<ref name="SNT Motiv Catalog">{{cite web|url=https://www.sntmotiv.com/kor/business/catalog/defense.pdf|title=Defense Products|publisher=[[SNT Motiv]]|date=|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629022050/https://www.sntmotiv.com/kor/business/catalog/defense.pdf|archivedate=29 June 2024|accessdate=29 June 2024|author1=}}</ref>
| length             = '''K2:''' <br />{{convert|980|mm|in|abbr=on}} (extended) <br />{{convert|730|mm|in|abbr=on}} (folded)
'''K2C:''' <br />{{convert|880|mm|in|abbr=on}} (extended) <br />{{convert|790|mm|in|abbr=on}} (retracted) <br />{{convert|630|mm|in|abbr=on}} (folded)
'''K2C1:''' <br />{{convert|1014|mm|in|abbr=on}} (extended) <br />{{convert|940|mm|in|abbr=on}} (retracted) <br />{{convert|730|mm|in|abbr=on}} (folded)<ref name="SNT Motiv Catalog" />
| part_length        = '''K2 & K2C1:''' <br />{{convert|465|mm|in|abbr=on}} <br />'''K2C:''' <br />{{convert|310|mm|in|abbr=on}}<ref name="SNT Motiv Catalog" /> 
| crew               = <!-- Ranged weapon specifications -->
| cartridge          = [[5.56×45mm NATO]] <br />[[.223 Remington]]
| action             = [[Gas operated]], [[Rotating bolt]] (long-stroke piston)
| rate               = 700–900&nbsp;rounds/min<ref name="Edaily 2016-10-03">{{cite web|url=https://www.edaily.co.kr/news/read?newsId=01170966612809312&mediaCodeNo=257|title=[e-무기]60만 장병의 개인화기 'K2' 2020년 퇴역|publisher=Edaily|date=3 October 2016|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629195711/https://www.edaily.co.kr/news/read?newsId=01170966612809312&mediaCodeNo=257|archivedate=29 June 2024|accessdate=29 June 2024|author1=Kim Gwan-yong}}</ref>
| velocity           = {{convert|915|m/s|ft/s|abbr=on}} (K100) <br />{{convert|875|m/s|ft/s|abbr=on}} (K101) <br />{{convert|964|m/s|ft/s|abbr=on}} (KM193) <br />{{convert|75.3|m/s|ft/s|abbr=on}} (K200 & KM433 grenades)<ref name="Ammunition">{{cite web|url=https://dl.nanet.go.kr/file/fileDownload.do?linkSystemId=NADL&controlNo=NONB1201818281|title=화기별·탄종별 사격장 안전기준 정립 연구|publisher=Republic of Korea Army Headquarters|date=25 May 2018|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20211014062442/https://dl.nanet.go.kr/file/fileDownload.do?linkSystemId=NADL&controlNo=NONB1201818281|archivedate=14 October 2021|accessdate=14 October 2021|author=Security Management Institute}} p. 118</ref>
| range              = 600&nbsp;m (K100, K2 & K2C1) <br />500&nbsp;m (K100, K2C) <br />460&nbsp;m (KM193)<ref name="Edaily 2016-10-03" />
| max_range          = 3,300&nbsp;m (K100) <br />2,653&nbsp;m (KM193)<ref name="Edaily 2016-10-03" />
| feed               = Various [[STANAG Magazine]]s.
| sights             = [[Iron sight]]s
}}

'''Daewoo Precision Industries K2''' [[assault rifle]] is the [[service rifle]] of the [[Republic of Korea Armed Forces|South Korean military]]. It was developed by the South Korean [[Agency for Defense Development]] and manufactured by [[SNT Motiv]] (formerly Daewoo Precision Industries) and [[Dasan Machineries]] (since 2016). Shoulder-fired and [[Gas-operated reloading|gas-operated]], the K2 is capable of firing both [[5.56×45mm NATO]] and [[.223 Remington]] ammunition; however, using .223 Remington is only recommended for practicing for short distance.

The K2 supplanted the [[M16 rifle|M16A1]] assault rifle as the primary infantry weapon for the South Korean military since its adoption in 1985,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thegunzone.com/556dw-8.html|title=The 5.56 X 45mm: 1980-1985|access-date=2008-10-30|publisher=The Gun Zone|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150316235202/http://thegunzone.com/556dw-8.html|archive-date=2015-03-16}}</ref> though the former remains in service with reservists.

==Development==

In the 1960s, the [[Republic of Korea Armed Forces]] relied completely upon military support from the United States to supply its small arms, consisting mostly of [[M1 Garand]]s and [[M1 carbine|M1/M2 carbines]]. Attempts at the time to develop an indigenous rifle were hampered by the country's economic, technological, and industrial shortcomings, and initial attempts never went into production. During [[South Korea in the Vietnam War|South Korean involvement in the Vietnam War]], [[South Korean Army]] soldiers and [[South Korean Marine Corps|Marines]] received the more modern M16A1 assault rifle from U.S. military aid, though not enough to arm all active military personnel. With a modern rifle design and rapid economic growth in the 1970s, South Korea began to build the M16A1 (Colt Model 603K) under license in 1974.<ref name="sadj1dec17">[http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=4144 The Evolution of K1/K2 Families in the ROK Military] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171205042005/http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=4144 |date=2017-12-05 }}. ''Small Arms Defense Journal''. 1 December 2017.</ref>

Despite being able to produce their own service rifle, it was not an ideal arrangement; the original license agreement did not cover enough weapons to equip their forces including millions of reserves, and having to pay license fees to manufacture the design was too expensive at a time when the country was short on foreign currency. Geopolitical considerations played a factor, as the [[Nixon Doctrine]] and [[Carter administration]]'s use of the U.S. military presence on the [[Korean peninsula]] as leverage to force change against South Korea's human rights practices. Under such influences, South Korea felt it necessary to be able to control their own basic weapon needs.<ref name="sadj1dec17"/> Facing the eventual expiration of the license to produce the M16A1, president [[Park Chung Hee]], who strongly believed in self-reliance in national defense, ordered the development of an indigenous standard military firearm.

An indigenous rifle program started in 1972. Initial requirements were for prototypes to be chambered in [[7.62×51mm NATO]] as it was the only standardized ammunition for the [[Western Bloc]]. Prototypes XB-1 through XB-5 were akin to [[AR-15]]-series rifles with some exterior changes; designers attempted to use as many M16 components as possible to save time and money, such as the [[direct gas impingement]] operation, sights and handguards. In 1975, the XB-6 prototype with [[Gas-operated reloading#Long-stroke|long-stroke gas piston]] was created, and converted into [[5.56×45mm NATO]] chambered XB-7 in 1977.<ref name="sadj1dec17"/>

By 1982, the final prototype model XB-7C (XK2) was completed, and small amount was handed for field tests. It went into full-scale production and was officially fielded to the Republic of Korea Armed Forces in 1985.<ref name="sadj1dec17"/>

===K2C===
[[File:K2C Carbine.png|left|thumb|[[Carbine]] version K2C mounted with [[Vertical forward grip|vertical foregrip]] and sights]]

After the K2 was adopted, hardly any changes were made to the gun for nearly 30 years. There were several reasons for this: the ROK Army maintained a [[Cold War]]-style mentality that favored tanks and artillery against an outdated North Korean threat, leaving less money and urgency to modernize infantry weapons and tactics; the manufacturer had been producing tens of thousands of rifles each year since the 1970s without competition for domestic customers that didn't request upgrades, leaving no motivation to make changes; and various management and ownership changes created internal chaos making it difficult to conduct [[research and development]]. Special forces units had more of a need to upgrade K-series weapons with new optics and accessories, so they turned to private companies to develop add-on rail systems. Because they were being supplied many non-standard rails from various companies, the regular ROK Army standardized the [[MIL-STD-1913]] rail in 2013 for the PVS-11K [[red dot sight]], which on the K2 is only a short rail on the upper receiver, since it is made with an optics mount on the receiver to attach it and regular troops have less of a need for additional rails.<ref name="sadj29sept17">[http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=4089 K2C: South Korea's Latest Carbine] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171001031313/http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=4089 |date=2017-10-01 }}. ''Small Arms Defense Journal''. 29 September 2017.</ref>

The K2 and [[Daewoo Precision Industries K1|K1A]] had become outdated for international markets after 2000; in addition to lack of ability to add accessories, the K1A had become too large, underpowered and un-ergonomic as a [[personal defense weapon]] or special operation carbine and the K2 was too long. In 2012, S&T Motiv introduced the K2C, or K2 Carbine. It has a shortened {{convert|310|mm|in|abbr=on}} barrel with adjusted gas piston, upper receiver/handguard [[Picatinny rail]], and right side-folding [[M4 carbine|M4]]-style retractable stock;<ref name="sadj1dec17"/> it weighs {{convert|3.3|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, is {{convert|880|mm|in|abbr=on}} long with stock extended and {{convert|630|mm|in|abbr=on}} with stock folded.<ref name="SNT Motiv Catalog" /> In 2013, a new tan-painted K2C with Magpul CTR stock and detachable rear sight was unveiled, but not actually produced.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.militarybook.co.kr/shop/shopdetail.html?branduid=523594&search=2013%25B3%25E2&sort=|title=MilitaryBook [플래툰 2013년 06월호]|website=www.militarybook.co.kr|access-date=2019-10-05}}</ref> In 2017, The New K2C-1/2 variants with a foldable front sight and ambidextrous selector switches were unveiled.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2017/11/20/question-stocks-st-motivs-k2c-2-k2c-1-variants-now-available-coyote-tan/|title=Where Does S&T Motiv Go From Here? K2C-2 and K2C-1 Variants, Coyote Tan and SPW Stocks -|date=2017-11-20|website=The Firearm Blog|language=en-US|access-date=2019-10-05}}</ref> In 2018, the new K2C-1 variant was renamed K2C CQB.

===K2C1===
[[File:K2C1 Assault rifle.jpg|left|thumb|K2C1 assault rifle with mounted vertical foregrip]]

S&T Motiv developed the K2A to enhance its domestic appeal, which retained the full-length K2's features (including bayonet lug) and utilized the upgrades of K2C, such as the Picatinny rail on the upper receiver and handguard, as well as an Colt M4-style collapsible stock. It is slightly heavier than the original model, partly due to the screw attachment method of its rail,<ref name="sadj1dec17" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.asiae.co.kr/view.htm?no=2014061209152303356|title=내년부터 軍장병 맞춤형 소총 보급|date=12 June 2014 |publisher=아시아경제|access-date=2014-06-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112230920/http://m.asiae.co.kr/view.htm?no=2014061209152303356|archive-date=2016-01-12|url-status=live}}</ref> weighing {{convert|3.6|kg|lb|abbr=on}}, while the original K2 weighed {{convert|3.4|kg|lb|abbr=on}}.<ref name="SNT Motiv Catalog" /> Afterward, the K2A was renamed to K2C1. The "C" in the name represented that only the exterior design was modified, without any enhancements made to its performance, in accordance with the Korean Defense Specifications (KDS). Subsequently, the K2C1 was selected by the ROK forces as their standard weapon. The K2C1 underwent various changes compared to the K2A, which included an extended handguard rail with optional lower and side Picatinny rail sections, a flattop upper receiver featuring a detachable rear backup sight, and a new Magpul CTR-like collapsible stock. As of 2016, approximately 200,000 K2C1s were in active service with frontline troops.

==Design==
[[File:Daewoo K2.png|left|thumb|K2 rifle with a K201 under-barrel grenade launcher]]

Six different prototypes were made during the XB development. Of the 6 designs, the XB6 was selected. Some parts of the XB6 resembled the [[FN FNC]] such as the suppressor and sights. Further development of the XB6 evolved into the XB7 and finally the XB7C, also known as the XK2. Externally similar in appearance to the [[AR18]], the K2 uses polymer for the forearm, pistol-grip and side-foldable buttstock. The fire control system and bolt carrier group are derived from the American [[M16 (rifle)|M16]] rifle.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gunsworld.com/gun_ar/DaewooK2_us.html|title=Daewoo K2 Assault Rifle|access-date=2008-10-30|publisher=Gun's World|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110525081921/http://www.gunsworld.com/gun_ar/DaewooK2_us.html|archive-date=2011-05-25|url-status=live}}</ref> The gas operating system is derived from the [[AKM]]. The K2 uses the same magazine as the M16. The barrel rifling has 6 grooves, 185&nbsp;mm (1-in-7.3) right hand twist. The K2 has 3 selective firing modes: semi-auto, 3-round burst, and full automatic.

[[File:Armed ROK officers.jpg|thumb|[[National Police Agency (South Korea)|KNP]] [[combat police]] officers armed with Daewoo K2s. Note the folded buttstock.]]

The K2 can be equipped with the DPI K201, an undercarried 40×46mm single shot [[grenade launcher]] patterned after the [[M203 grenade launcher|American M203]].<ref name="wilk2010"/> The Republic of Korea Armed Forces originally planned to replace the entire K2 with new [[S&T Daewoo K11]] dual-barrel air-burst weapon. However, high cost and skepticism over the effective firepower of the 20mm grenade led to the decision to provide 2 K11s to each squad, keeping 2 grenadiers as well. Consequently, the standard 9-person infantry squad of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces is currently equipped with 2 K2 rifles, 2 K2 rifles with K201 grenade launcher, 2 K11 DAWs, 1 [[Daewoo Precision Industries K3|K3]] light machine gun, and the rest with either K1 or K2.

The K2 is also sometimes used with bipods and 4× magnification scopes, in a role similar to the [[Designated Marksman Rifle]].
A more modern way to accessorize the K2 and K1 is to mount a now (limited) standard issue PVS-4K [[Rail Integration System]]. It consists of an aluminum body with a long, uninterrupted rail for optical/red-dot and night-vision sights and three other rails located on the bottom and both sides. The rails are of the Picatinny-type.

Despite the shortest handguard ever seen on any assault rifles, the K2C variants have had issues with overheating, and thus most of the K2's around the world are the original K2, with the barrel mostly exposed, unlike the K2C.

The K2 is also able to accept a [[brass catcher]] basket, as the South Korean army requires its soldiers to pick up and return empty [[Cartridge (firearms)#Case|cartridge cases]] after training sessions, both for financial reasons (the brass cases are recyclable) and for security reasons, as the soldier must prove he or she has actually expended the issued ammunition.  This minimizes the risk of a soldier keeping unauthorized live ammunition which could be used in criminal activities.

===K1 and K2 weapons systems===
When personnel from the [[Special Forces Brigades of the Republic of Korea|South Korean army special command]] were invited to see the XB-series prototypes, they requested the development of a new submachine gun to quickly replace a series of different weapons in their use. With no time to develop a new weapon, ADD made one based on the XB rifle prototypes called XB-S (short). It used a direct impingement gas tube rather than a piston to achieve the required short length, which was faster to make since they had short-barrel [[CAR-15]] designs to work off of and no time to redesign a new short gas piston. The barrel used 1:12 inch rifling to fire M193 rounds, as during its development there were no plans to adopt SS109 ammunition in the South Korean army. The shortened design was adopted as the K1A SMG in 1981 and issued to special forces, commanders, radio operators and others who needed a short SMG-like weapon.<ref name="sadj1dec17"/>

While the K1A SMG is commonly regarded as an SMG version of the K2, the K1 is a separate weapon altogether.<ref name="K1">[http://www.riflesnguns.com/assault/daewoo/k1 Rifles n Guns' Daewoo K1 Page.] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081014044646/http://www.riflesnguns.com/assault/daewoo/k1 |date=2008-10-14}} Retrieved on October 27, 2008.</ref> The primary differences between the two weapons include: development time and intent (the K1 took less time to develop and entered service sooner than the K2, and was developed originally as a [[submachine gun]] because it was intended to replace the [[M3 Grease Gun]]; the K2 was developed from the start as a service rifle); rifling (K1: 1-in-12 twist; K2: 1-in-7.3 twist); and gas system (the K1 uses a [[direct impingement]] gas system, while the K2 uses a long stroke [[Gas-operated reloading|gas piston]] system). In addition, some parts are not interchangeable between the two weapons even though they can use the same cartridge (KM193 (.223 Remington) 5.56 caliber; the K2 can also utilize the K100 (SS109) 5.56 caliber round).

==Variants==
[[File:XB Prototype Rifles.jpg|thumb|K2 and experimental prototype rifles on display]]
===XB===
At least 6 versions (XB1 to XB6) of prototype were made.
* XB6: Selected design among the prototype.
* XB7: Further development of the XB6.
** XB7C: Final experimental prototype. Also known as XK2.

===K2===
Mass-produced variant.

* K2/AR-100: Semi-automatic [[5.56×45mm NATO]] version for US civilian market

* DR-100/DR-200: Semi-automatic [[5.56×45mm NATO]] version for US civilian market post [[Federal Assault Weapons Ban|1989 import ban of non "sport" foreign semi-automatic rifles]] .<ref name="MF">{{cite web |url=http://world.guns.ru/assault/as32-e.htm |title=Daewoo K2 assault rifle and K1 assault carbine (South Korea) |website=world.guns.ru |access-date=15 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081022233759/http://world.guns.ru/assault/as32-e.htm |archive-date=22 October 2008 |url-status=dead}}</ref> Primarily difference of a thumb-hole stock in place of the original folding stock. 
* DR-300: Semi-automatic [[7.62×39mm]] version for civilian market.<ref name="MF" />
'''K2C''' (C="[[Carbine]]"): Carbine version of K2 rifle with Picatinny rail, M4-type buttstock, barrel reduced to {{convert|310|mm|in|abbr=on}}.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011051816525411562|title=K계열 6가지 소총 직접 쏴보니|date=19 May 2011|publisher=아시아경제|access-date=2011-05-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110522064334/http://www.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2011051816525411562|archive-date=2011-05-22|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="sadj4sept15">[http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=3130 Weapons of the Republic of Korea Marine Corps] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914184859/http://www.sadefensejournal.com/wp/?p=3130 |date=2016-09-14 }}. ''Small Arms Defense Journal''. 4 September 2015.</ref> Exports started in 2012.<ref>S&T Motiv Defense Products catalog IDEX 2017, page 4.</ref>
* K2C CQB: A manufacturer-proposed variant of K2C for [[close quarters combat]] operations, which was first unveiled by the name "The New K2C-1" in the ADEX 2017, and later renamed as "K2C CQB" in the DX KOREA 2018. It has a {{convert|310|mm|in|abbr=on}} barrel and has a firing range up to 500 meters with a Colt SCW-type buttstock, flip up sights, a horizontally modified magazine well angle, integrated picatinny rails and ambidextrous selector switches.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2017/11/20/question-stocks-st-motivs-k2c-2-k2c-1-variants-now-available-coyote-tan/|title=Where Does S&T Motiv Go From Here? K2C-2 and K2C-1 Variants, Coyote Tan and SPW Stocks - The Firearm Blog|date=20 November 2017|access-date=23 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180823174344/https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2017/11/20/question-stocks-st-motivs-k2c-2-k2c-1-variants-now-available-coyote-tan/|archive-date=23 August 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

===K2C1===
(C="Exterior design changed without performance improvements", by the South Korean Defense Specification<ref name="Defense Media Agency">{{cite web |date=8 September 2017 |title=K2소총 개량형 첫번째... 야전에 더욱 강해진 K2C1 - 1boon |url=https://1boon.daum.net/dema/59b1ff8ded94d20001611933?view=katalk/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180823210247/https://1boon.daum.net/dema/59b1ff8ded94d20001611933?view=katalk%2F |archive-date=23 August 2018 |access-date=5 July 2019 |publisher=Defense Media Agency}}</ref>) : New variant featuring a quad accessory rail, full-length 1913 Picatinny optics rail, an AR-15-style six position collapsing and a Magpul-based foldable stock.<ref>{{cite web |date=9 January 2018 |title=Guest Post: Korean K2 Rifle Upgrade History (2005-2017) - |url=https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2018/01/09/korean-k2-rifle-upgrade-history-2005-2017/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190222042014/https://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2018/01/09/korean-k2-rifle-upgrade-history-2005-2017/ |archive-date=22 February 2019 |access-date=21 February 2019}}</ref> Comes in two barrel lengths, 305&nbsp;mm (12&nbsp;in) and 465&nbsp;mm (18.3&nbsp;in).<ref>[http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/06/16/st-motiv-shows-off-k2c1-improved-daewoo-rifle-at-kdecif/ S&T Motiv Shows Off K2C1 Improved Daewoo Rifle at KDECIF 2016] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921225930/http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/06/16/st-motiv-shows-off-k2c1-improved-daewoo-rifle-at-kdecif/|date=2016-09-21}} - Thefirearmblog.com, 16 June 2016</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=30 September 2016 |title=DX Korea 2016- Modified K2C1 rifle, Korean Corner Shot - The Firearm Blog |url=http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/09/30/dx-korea-2016-modified-k2c1-rifle-korean-corner-shot/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171023011722/http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/09/30/dx-korea-2016-modified-k2c1-rifle-korean-corner-shot/ |archive-date=23 October 2017 |access-date=22 October 2017}}</ref> It was officially sent into production in March 2016 with first deliveries in June 2016.<ref>{{cite web |date=17 December 2016 |title=DX Korea 2016: S&T; Motiv details updated RoKA 5.56 mm service assault rifle - IHS Jane's 360 |url=https://www.janes.com/article/63604/dx-korea-2016-s-t-motiv-details-updated-roka-5-56-mm-service-assault-rifle |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161217214135/https://www.janes.com/article/63604/dx-korea-2016-s-t-motiv-details-updated-roka-5-56-mm-service-assault-rifle |archive-date=2016-12-17}}</ref>

==Replacement versus upgrades==
S&T Daewoo (now S&T Motiv) proposed the [[S&T Daewoo XK8|XK8]], a 5.56×45mm NATO [[bullpup]] version of the K2 in early 2000. After a series of field tests, the XK8 was rejected by the South Korean military and was never mass-produced.<ref name="Platoon 2023-03-10">{{cite web|url=https://www.platoon.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=1151|title=김찬우 기자의 총기 이야기(23) 국산 유일의 불펍 소총, XK8|publisher=Platoon|date=10 March 2023|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629212016/https://www.platoon.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=1151|archivedate=29 June 2024|accessdate=29 June 2024|author1=Kim Chan-woo}}</ref>

In 2014, an upgraded K2 rifle, the K2C1 was introduced, and the South Korean Army performed field tests which were successful. K2C1 mass production began in 2015 to replace the K2 as the standard-issue rifle for the ROK armed forces. Additional production of K2C1 rifles will push out K2 in active service, and eventually replace the reserve forces' M16A1s with K2 in the near future.<ref name="Platoon 2023-03-10" /><ref name="Asiae 2023-03-10">{{cite web|url=https://view.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2014061209152303356|title=내년부터 軍장병 맞춤형 소총 보급|publisher=Asia Economy|date=12 June 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629214735/https://view.asiae.co.kr/news/view.htm?idxno=2014061209152303356|archivedate=29 June 2024|accessdate=29 June 2024|author1=Yang Nak-gyu}}</ref>

The development of the S&T Daewoo K11 dual-barrel air-burst weapon, which uses 5.56×45mm NATO and 20×30mm air-burst grenade, prompted the South Korean military to plan for the replacements of all K2 rifles in service with the K11, making K11 the standard service rifle for the armed forces. However, due to the K11's extremely high cost and weight for a standard rifle, the armed forces scrapped its original plan and decided to provide 2 K11 per squad in order to increase firepower. The K11 project was subsequently cancelled and as a result, the K2 was retained as the standard service rifle.<ref name="Platoon 2023-03-10" /><ref name="Sedaily 2018-06-08">{{cite web|url=https://www.sedaily.com/NewsView/1S0QAESBKE|title=[권홍우 선임기자의 무기 이야기] '신형 경기관총' 2020년부터 분대 배치…K12는 소대지원화기|publisher=Sedaily|date=8 June 2018|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240629213641/https://www.sedaily.com/NewsView/1S0QAESBKE|archivedate=29 June 2024|accessdate=29 June 2024|author1=Kwon Hong-woo}}</ref>

==Users==
[[File:Daewoo Precision Industries K2 Users.png|thumb|400px|Map with users of the Daewoo Precision Industries K2 in blue]]<!--READ FIRST: This section is for cited entries only. Please do not add entries into this list without a citation from a reliable source. All entries without a citation will be removed. Thank you.-->

* {{flag|Cambodia}}: The K2s were provided to the [[Special Forces Command (Cambodia)|911th Special Forces Regiment]] in 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-03-28 |title=캄보디아 '인권유린' 부대 훈련시킨 국내 경비업체 |url=https://www.seoul.co.kr/news/newsView.php?id=20140328010013 |access-date=2023-11-13 |website=서울신문 |language=ko}}</ref> The K2Cs were also purchased for the special forces.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bemil.chosun.com/nbrd/bbs/view.html?b_bbs_id=10044&num=207608|title=캄보디아 군대가 도입한 한국제군장비|access-date=2017-11-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171128173204/http://bemil.chosun.com/nbrd/bbs/view.html?b_bbs_id=10044&num=207608|archive-date=2017-11-28|url-status=live}}</ref> 128 K2s transferred according to a 2019 SIPRI small arms report.<ref name="SIPRI19">{{cite web |url=http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/S-Trade-Update/SAS-Trade-Update-2019.pdf |title=Trade Update 2019: Transfers, Transparency, and South-east Asia Spotlight |website=www.smallarmssurvey.org |access-date=15 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191211191444/http://www.smallarmssurvey.org/fileadmin/docs/S-Trade-Update/SAS-Trade-Update-2019.pdf |archive-date=11 December 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flag|Ecuador}}: Purchased in 2011.<ref name="서울경제">{{cite web |url=http://economy.hankooki.com/lpage/society/201109/e20110915100158120420.htm |title=[파워 경제인] 김택권 S&T대우 대표 |publisher=서울경제 |date=2011-09-15 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112230920/http://economy.hankooki.com/lpage/society/201109/e20110915100158120420.htm |archive-date=2016-01-12 }}</ref>
* {{flag|Fiji}}: Purchased in the late 1980s.<ref name=Capie>{{cite book|last=Capie|first=David|title=Under the Gun: The Small Arms Challenge in the Pacific|date=2004|pages=70–71|publisher=Victoria University Press|location=Wellington|isbn=978-0864734532 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.marines.mil/Photos/?igphoto=2001577417|title = Task Force Koa Moana: Live fire training with Fiji}}</ref>
* {{flag|Indonesia}}: 210 K2 rifles purchased in 2008 and 2011.<ref name="SIPRI19"/><ref name="서울경제"/> 806 K2s transferred according to a 2019 SIPRI small arms report.<ref name="SIPRI19"/>
* {{flag|Iraq}}: K2C used by [[Iraqi Special Operations Forces|Iraqi special operations forces Golden Division]] (formerly Golden Brigade).<ref name="Iraq">{{cite web|url=http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/09/30/korean-k2c-iraq-sides/|title=Korean K2C in Iraq, on both sides - The Firearm Blog|date=30 September 2016|access-date=16 October 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161018184257/http://www.thefirearmblog.com/blog/2016/09/30/korean-k2c-iraq-sides/|archive-date=18 October 2016|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="auto"/>
* {{flag|Republic of Korea}}: A standard-issue rifle of the ROK Armed Forces since 1985. Used extensively by the South Korean contingent in [[Operation Enduring Freedom]] and the [[Iraq War]].<ref name="wilk2010"/> A small number of K2Cs were tested by the [[Republic of Korea Army Special Warfare Command]] in 2014, but it has not been adopted by ROK forces. Later, tens of thousands of K2C1s were mass-produced in 2015 as part of the rifle modernization plan and were introduced around front-line units from 2016.
* {{flag|Lebanon}}: Used by the Lebanese Army.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bemil.chosun.com/nbrd/bbs/view.html?b_bbs_id=10044&pn=0&num=110205#none|title=[펌]레바논군에서 사용하는 K2 RIS|access-date=2017-12-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171210123622/http://bemil.chosun.com/nbrd/bbs/view.html?b_bbs_id=10044&pn=0&num=110205#none|archive-date=2017-12-10|url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{flag|Malawi}}: Purchased 1,100 K2 and 1,000 K2C in 2012.<ref>{{Cite web |title=아프리카 말라위에 K2 소총 및 신형 K2C 소총 2,100정 본격 수출 |url=https://www.sntmotiv.com/ |access-date=2023-11-13 |website=sntmotiv.com |language=ko}}</ref><ref name="ChosunView">{{cite web|url=http://bemil.chosun.com/nbrd/bbs/view.html?b_bbs_id=10108&pn=1&num=28|title=유용원의 군사세계|publisher=bemil.chosun.com|access-date=11 January 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151120165632/http://bemil.chosun.com/nbrd/bbs/view.html?b_bbs_id=10108&pn=1&num=28|archive-date=20 November 2015|url-status=live}}</ref> 5,200 K2C delivered in 2012-2013. Known to be used by Malawian soldiers in the [[United Nations Force Intervention Brigade]].<ref name="NMAA">{{cite web|first1=Jeremy |last1=Binnie|first2=Erwan|last2= de Cherisey|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170622123315/http://www.janes.com/images/assets/520/71520/New-model_African_armies.pdf|title= New-model African armies|publisher= Jane's|date= 2017|archive-date= 22 June 2017|url=http://www.janes.com/images/assets/520/71520/New-model_African_armies.pdf}}</ref>
* {{flag|Mexico}}: Purchased in 2011.<ref name="서울경제"/>
* {{flag|Nigeria}}: Purchased 3,000 in 1984, which were delivered in 1985.<ref>{{Cite web |last=국방일보 |title=[SNT모티브] 명품 총기 생산 K방산 위상 강화 |url=https://kookbang.dema.mil.kr/newsWeb/20210820/1/ATCE_CTGR_0020050005/view.do |access-date=2023-11-13 |website=국방일보 |language=ko}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=M16생산 事実無根 大宇精密 |url=https://newslibrary.naver.com/viewer/index.naver?articleId=1988082900099206009&editNo=1&printCount=1&publishDate=1988-08-29&officeId=00009&pageNo=6&printNo=6919&publishType=00020 |date=1988-08-29 |access-date=2023-11-13 |website=NAVER Newslibrary}}</ref> Another batch was purchased in 1996.<ref name="K2 export">{{cite web|url=http://www.segye.com/Articles/News/Politics/Article.asp?aid=20110531004060&subctg1=&subctg2=|title=한국의 무기 이야기|date=31 May 2011|publisher=Segye.com|access-date=2014-02-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314043323/http://www.segye.com/Articles/News/Politics/Article.asp?aid=20110531004060&subctg1=&subctg2=|archive-date=2012-03-14|url-status=live}}</ref> Additional 30,000 rifles were sold in 2006.<ref name="HankookiH2006090202495684560">{{cite web|url=http://news.hankooki.com/lpage/world/200609/h2006090202495684560.htm|title=한국일보 : 나이지리아, K2 소총 3만정 수입키로|publisher=news.hankooki.com|access-date=11 January 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212050106/http://news.hankooki.com/lpage/world/200609/h2006090202495684560.htm|archive-date=12 December 2013}}</ref>
* {{flag|North Korea}}: used by [[Korean People's Army Special Operation Force|Special Forces]] at least since the 1990s.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.sisapress.com/journal/article/86452|title=시사저널 - 북한 5만 특공대, 저공 침투 대기중|publisher=sisapress.com|date=19 September 1996|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180603132742/http://www.sisapress.com/journal/article/86452|archive-date=3 June 2018}}</ref> North Korean special forces with imitation South Korean-style military digital camo uniform and K2 rifles (unlicensed locally made copies) were reported by ROK Army soldiers during the 2015 North Korean exchanges of artillery fire with South Korea across the Western Front.{{citation needed|date=October 2020}}
* {{flag|Papua New Guinea}}: Purchased K2C in 2013.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.sntmotiv.com/phtml/news_view.php?idx=395&kind= |title=S&T모티브, 멕시코, 파푸아뉴기니 軍․警에 총기 수출 |date=April 10, 2013 |publisher=S&T Motiv |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150413200849/http://www.sntmotiv.com/phtml/news_view.php?idx=395&kind= |archive-date=April 13, 2015 }}</ref>
* {{flag|Peru}}: Used by the ''[[Infantería de Marina del Perú]]'' ([[Peruvian Naval Infantry]]).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dintel-gid.com.ar/galerias/desfileperu2007.html |title= .DintelGID. Fotografías Desfile Militar día Nacional del Perú, 2007|website=www.dintel-gid.com.ar |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090525153530/http://www.dintel-gid.com.ar/galerias/desfileperu2007.html |archive-date=May 25, 2009}}</ref>
*{{Flag|Philippines}}: Purchased K2C1 in 2019, used by [[Philippine National Police]] based from a contract in 2018.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/11/19/pnp-upgrades-firepower-with-acquisition-of-p3-billion-worth-of-guns-choppers-uavs/ | title=PNP upgrades firepower with acquisition of P3 billion worth of guns, choppers, UAVs &#124; Rene Acosta | website=[[BusinessMirror]] | date=19 November 2019 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55f5244ce4b000445e4e263c/t/5fa4a9f362ed0f2c48b71691/1604626977202/UDMC+BROCHURE+(OCT2020)+web.pdf|title=United Defense|access-date=2021-04-09|publisher=United Defense Manufacturing Corporation|archive-date=2021-04-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210409123748/https://static1.squarespace.com/static/55f5244ce4b000445e4e263c/t/5fa4a9f362ed0f2c48b71691/1604626977202/UDMC+BROCHURE+%28OCT2020%29+web.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* {{flag|Senegal}}: Purchased 100 in 2003.<ref name="K2 export" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://bemil.chosun.com/nbrd/bbs/view.html?b_bbs_id=10044&num=201537|title = 세네갈군의 K-2 소총과 K201}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2014/05/468882|title = Mali: Ban urges immediate end to fighting amid rapidly deteriorating situation in Kidal|date = 21 May 2014}}</ref>
* {{flag|Thailand}}: 403 K2s transferred according to a 2019 SIPRI small arms report.<ref name="SIPRI19"/>
* {{flag icon|Nepal}}    Nepal:  30,000 K2C1 rifle bought from South Korean Daewoo Precision Industries in 2022<ref>{{Cite web |last=KathmanduPati |date=2022-04-23 |title=K2 rifles purchased by Nepal Army from Korean company found to be faulty |url=https://english.kathmandupati.com/special/13500/#:~:text=Nepal%20Army%20had%20purchased%2030,000,the%20troops%20with%20modern%20firearms. |access-date=2025-04-25 |website=KathmanduPati |language=en-US}}</ref>

===Non-state actors===
* {{flag|ISIS}}: Captured from Iraqi troops.<ref name="Iraq" /> Also used by ISEA<ref>{{cite tweet |author=Cᴀʟɪʙʀᴇ Oʙsᴄᴜʀᴀ |user=CalibreObscura |number=1137098161590284288 |date=7 June 2019 |title=Eid al-Fitr pics from ISEA. They've been a neglected branch recently in terms of media, but observe the Daewoo K2 w/ orange furniture (!) Also a typical Colt 603/613P on the wall. Rather symbolic below the black standard. 3rd pic is the orange K2 on socmed (📸 @Flava13_v7) https://t.co/INGwJjo3Xt |language=en |access-date=8 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220504143401/https://twitter.com/CalibreObscura/status/1137098161590284288 |archive-date=4 May 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> and various IS affiliated militants across Africa<ref>{{cite tweet |author=Cᴀʟɪʙʀᴇ Oʙsᴄᴜʀᴀ |user=CalibreObscura |number=1134147999519662081 |date=30 May 2019 |title=Amaq released a new pic of militants of the ISIS Wilayah Central Africa branch (Also known as City of Monotheism & Monotheists)- in the image there's 2 Daewoo K2 rifles. These are quite unusual- I'm not aware of any local forces using the K2 rifle unless anyone can enlighten me. https://t.co/k8xhG32N3y |language=en |access-date=8 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220504142311/https://twitter.com/CalibreObscura/status/1134147999519662081 |archive-date=4 May 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{flag|Syrian opposition}}: Seen in the hands of Syrian rebels<ref>{{cite tweet |author=Cᴀʟɪʙʀᴇ Oʙsᴄᴜʀᴀ |user=CalibreObscura |number=1459465967176765441 |date=13 November 2021 |title=#Idlib: Something really interesting for sale recently: a South Korean Daewoo K2, with a rare Orlite mag. According to a local source, this rifle has a very interesting story; it was seized from UN Peacekeepers in Quneitra back in 2014, and made {{as written|i|t's [sic]}} way to Idlib via JaN. https://t.co/1FJJM6HCYc |language=en |access-date=8 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220504142443/https://twitter.com/CalibreObscura/status/1459465967176765441 |archive-date=4 May 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>
* {{flagicon|ISIS}} [[Boko Haram]]: Seen in Boko Haram captures and in use<ref>{{cite tweet |author=Cᴀʟɪʙʀᴇ Oʙsᴄᴜʀᴀ |user=CalibreObscura |number=1280801328986501121 |date=8 July 2020 |title=In a recent Boko Haram video (Not ISWA) there's as usual an interesting selection of arms. BH seems to put more effort into this, whereas IS prefers standardisation. 2x Galil ACE 21 (Captured frm Cameroonian/Chadian forces, most likely) Daewoo K2 (Used by NA) G3A3 (Widely used) https://t.co/4BXHmt6Yq6 |language=en |access-date=8 May 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220504142353/https://twitter.com/CalibreObscura/status/1280801328986501121 |archive-date=4 May 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref>

==See also==
* [[M16 rifle]]: used prior to and replaced by K2, and was license produced by the Arsenal of National Defense (now S&T Motiv).
* [[AK-47]]: influenced in designing gas piston system.
* [[Daewoo Precision Industries K1]]: shared same development program.
* [[S&T Daewoo XK8]]: proposed replacement, rejected after field test.
* [[S&T Daewoo K11]]: proposed replacement, rejected after field test.
* [[Dasan Machineries K16]]: possible replacement of K2 in the Republic of Korea Armed Forces.

==References==
{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Daewoo K2}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20100130124539/http://www.sntdaewoo.com/st/en_main.htm S&T Daewoo Homepage]

{{Modern South Korean Infantry Weapons}}

[[Category:5.56 mm assault rifles]]
[[Category:5.56×45mm NATO assault rifles]]
[[Category:Daewoo assault rifles]]
[[Category:Kalashnikov derivatives]]
[[Category:ArmaLite AR-10 derivatives]]
[[Category:Assault rifles of South Korea]]
[[Category:Long stroke piston firearms]]
[[Category:Post–Cold War weapons of South Korea]]
[[Category:Weapons and ammunition introduced in 1985]]
[[Category:ADD research and development projects]]
[[Category:Military equipment of Fiji]]
[[Category:Military equipment of Bangladesh]]