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SYSTEMS DATABASE / K1 SUBMACHINE GUN
SMALL ARMS SYSTEM ACTIVE BATTLE TESTED 84%

K1 Submachine Gun

K1A

MANUFACTURER S&T Motiv
IN SERVICE 1981

OVERVIEW

The K1A is a compact 5.56×45mm submachine gun / carbine used by ROK special forces, vehicle crews, and officers. Sometimes called the "Korean CAR-15", it features a shorter barrel and telescoping stock for close-quarters operations. Despite its compact size, it fires the same 5.56mm NATO round as the K2 rifle, providing excellent terminal effectiveness.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

caliber
5.56×45mm NATO
action
Gas-operated, rotating bolt
rate of fire rpm
800
muzzle velocity ms
830
effective range m
250
weight kg
2.87
length mm
838 (653 collapsed)
barrel length mm
263
magazine capacity
20 or 30 rounds
users
ROK Special Forces, vehicle crews, officers

BATTLE TESTED REVIEWS

84
Iraq — Zaytun Division Reliable CQB Carbine
2004 | ROK Special Forces Command

The K1A served as the primary weapon for ROK special operations forces, vehicle crews, and support personnel deployed in Iraq. Its compact size proved advantageous for vehicle-mounted operations and close-quarters security tasks in urban Erbil. Special forces teams rated it highly for its balance of firepower and portability.

Preferred weapon for vehicle crews and support units in Iraq
Compact profile ideal for urban operations and vehicle egress
Same 5.56mm ammunition as K2 simplified logistics
Used by ROK special forces for high-value target protection
82
UN Peacekeeping — Lebanon (UNIFIL) Effective Peacekeeping Sidearm
2007 | ROK MND Peacekeeping Reports

Korean Dongmyeong Unit deployed to Lebanon as part of UNIFIL operations carried K1A carbines for officers and vehicle crews. The weapon provided adequate firepower for peacekeeping patrols in the challenging terrain of southern Lebanon.

Deployed with Korean UNIFIL contingent
Effective for checkpoint and patrol operations
Reliable in Mediterranean climate conditions
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