Daewoo XK9

S&T Motiv (formerly Daewoo Precision Industries) · Submachine Gun · Prototype · 2003

Also known as: DS9A, Daewoo DS9, S&T Daewoo XK9

Overview

The S&T Daewoo XK9 (also designated DS9A) was a South Korean 9x19mm submachine gun developed in the early 2000s as a domestic alternative to the Heckler & Koch MP5 then in service with ROK special operations forces. Built on a shortened K2 rifle action with a polymer skeletonized side-folding stock, the XK9 fires from a closed bolt at ~980 rpm with a four-position selector (safe, semi, two-round burst, full-auto). Despite trials, the XK9 was not adopted; the project was effectively cancelled.

Specifications

Weight (empty)2900 g (102.3 oz)
Weight (loaded)3300 g (116.4 oz)
Overall Length680 mm (26.77")
Folded Length438 mm (17.24")
Barrel Length220 mm (8.66")
Action TypeBlowback
Firing MechanismHammer Fired
Trigger TypeSingle Stage
Magazine Capacity30 rounds
Magazine TypeDetachable Box
Muzzle Velocity381 m/s (1250 fps)
Effective Range150 m (164 yd)
Rate of Fire980 rpm
Barrel RiflingRight Hand
Number of Grooves6
Frame MaterialPolymer
Slide MaterialSteel
Barrel MaterialSteel
Stock MaterialPolymer
FinishPhosphate

Calibers

Features

Variants

Production

Production years: 2003-2010

Prototype only; never adopted, project shelved in favor of continued MP5 use and later Korean PDW concepts

Origin

Country of origin: South Korea

Designer: S&T Daewoo (Daewoo Precision Industries)

Notes

Two prototypes are documented: the standard XK9 with 220 mm barrel and a shortened XK10 with a 134 mm barrel and 590 mm extended length. Both use the same 30-round magazines.

Background

The XK9 was the third Korean attempt to replace the MP5 in special-forces hands, and was specifically designed to mimic the MP5's manual of arms - yet despite competitive performance figures, ROK SOF resisted parting with their German classics, and the XK9 quietly disappeared.