Image source: topwar.ru
The K808 Baekho ("White Tiger") 8×8 South Korean amphibious armored personnel carrier, developed in 2012-2016, quickly became the "workhorse" of the country's army. This is a first-line vehicle for shock troops. There is also a 6×6 version of the K806, which is lighter, unable to swim and designed for rear guard and patrol.
As part of the experience exchange program, one of the American Marines, who had been operating American military equipment for many years, had the opportunity to get to know the South Korean product closely as a passenger.
According to him, in terms of internal layout, the troop compartment is comparable in size to the Stryker, but that's where the similarity ends. Communication systems and weapon mounts have been improved, which has a positive effect on the actions of the crew in stressful situations and allows for effective use of equipment. He noted the inconvenience of the chairs for tall soldiers at full combat load. This, he believes, can outweigh many other advantages, especially during long-term missions.
Baekho:
Image source: topwar.ru
The K808 earned the most praise from him precisely because of its mobility. He noted the maneuverability and driving dynamics as noticeably superior to their American counterparts, with a sense of greater power even with the added weight of reinforced armor.
However, when cornering on uneven terrain, it felt like the car was about to tip over. He explained this feature by combining a higher mass and the peculiarities of the suspension's operation on rough terrain.
Baekho (left) and Stryker:
Image source: topwar.ru
The comparison with the LAV armored vehicle, which is in service with the US Marine Corps, turned out to be the most acute in his assessment.:
Regarding Stryker, he explained:
Currently, the K808 is operated only by South Korea. In 2024, Hyundai manufacturer Rotem announced that 30 units would be exported to Peru under a contract for $60 million. Chile is showing interest in it in search of a replacement for the Piraña I 6×6 and 8×8 armored vehicles and Poland, which considers the White Tiger as a possible addition to its own Rosomak armored personnel carriers. The Koreans offered Warsaw a deep localization of production.
