Special Operations Submachine Gun Type-I, first announced in 2016, which focuses on developing new weapon systems intended for large-scale deployment to across all branches of Republic of Korea Armed Forces.
Special Operations Submachine Gun Type-II, first announced in 2019, which focuses on acquiring already-developed weapons in smaller quantities to meet immediate operational demand, primarily from Republic of Korea Army Special Warfare Command.
For the Type-I program (provisionally named K16 at the time by the media, though this designation was later officially assigned to the S&T Motiv K16general-purpose machine gun chambered in 7.62×51mm NATO), there would be three years of development and one year of feasibility study between 2020 and 2024, with mass production scheduled to commence by 2024.[3]
On 23 June 2020, the DSAR-15PC—a variant of the DSAR-15 modified with a short-stroke gas piston operating system and designed for close-quarters battle—was chosen as the base model for the Type-I program. This decision followed a competition against the S&T Motiv STC-16.[4] According to an unnamed South Korean military official, special forces personnel from the 707th Special Mission Group and the 13th Special Mission Brigade were to receive 1,000 DSAR-15PCs. 15,000 DSAR-15PCs with modifications based on feedback would be delivered by 2023.[5]
However, the DSAR-15PC was canceled in June 2021 due to allegations that a former executive of the manufacturer had leaked military secrets. This setback forced the program to start over and select alternative firearms.[6][7] There are allegations that the cancellation was politically motivated.[8]
The Type-I program eventually restarted in 2023. Despite facing penalties, Dasan Machineries, initially a preferred bidder, is expected to bid for the program with the new DSAR-15PQ model, which feature a quick-release barrel.[2]
Meanwhile, in the Type-II program, the S&T Motiv STC-16 was selected and designated as K13 in October 2023. An initial batch of 1,710 was ordered, while an improved version will be offered to compete against the Dasan DSAR-15 offering for the reinitiated Type-I project to deliver another 16,000 carbines.[9][10]
Variants
DSAR-15: AR-15 type assault rifle chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO and operates via direct gas impingement.[11]
DSAR-15P: Modified DSAR-15 featuring a short-stroke piston action derived from the HK416 and CAR 816.[12] 3 different barrel length available: 11.5 in (CQB), 14.5 in (carbine), and 16 in (rifle).[13]
DSAR-15PC: Modified DSAR-15P CQB.[5] Initially selected by the ROK Armed Forces to replace the K1A SMG, but the project was later cancelled.
DSAR-15PQ: Modified DSAR-15PC with a quick-release barrel.
