South Korea develops chemical warfare vehicle

South Korea has developed a new reconnaissance vehicle for use in chemical, biological and radiological (CBR) warfare, the South Korean Defense Ministry announced Monday.

"Today, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) succeeded in developing a new-type CBR reconnaissance vehicle with domestic technology," ministry spokesman Kim Min-seok said. The state arms procurement agency launched a related project, worth some 22 billion won (US$20.1 million), in December 2011 in cooperation with Doosan DST Co., a local defense equipment manufacturer.

Tests showed that the new vehicle is suitable for combat, Kim said at a press briefing.

Meanwhile, the Navy's cutting-edge Incheon-class frigate set sail toward Singapore on Monday to join the International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference, according to the ministry spokesman.