What is the Biho Hybrid air defense system and why is India considering it again?

The Biho Hybrid is a Korean-built air defense system with twin 30 millimeter cannons and missiles for longer-range threats. Media reports say India is taking a fresh look at it because of a growing need for counter-drone platforms during military modernization.

Why did the Biho Hybrid deal stall in India?

India had previously considered buying the system, but the project did not move ahead because the Indian government pushed domestic defense manufacturing. The reported potential deal was estimated at $2.5 billion.

What else did Korea and India discuss during the defense talks in New Delhi?

DAPA said the two sides reviewed the status of defense industry cooperation, potential future partnership areas and support for major joint projects. They also discussed efforts to revive a 2020 defense partnership roadmap and expand exchanges at the industry and academic levels.

Korea, India discuss stalled Biho air defense deal at defense talks

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Summary

Korea and India discussed the stalled Biho Hybrid air defense deal during their defense cooperation talks in New Delhi on Tuesday. DAPA said the two sides also reviewed defense industry cooperation, future partnership opportunities and efforts to revive a 2020 defense partnership roadmap. The Biho Hybrid project had previously been estimated at $2.5 billion and has drawn renewed attention amid India’s counter-drone needs.

Key Facts

DAPA said the Biho Hybrid system was discussed at the joint commission on defense and logistics in New Delhi on Tuesday.
The potential Biho Hybrid deal had previously been estimated at $2.5 billion.
The system is built by Hanwha Aerospace and combines twin 30 millimeter rapid-fire cannons with missiles for longer-range threats.
DAPA said the two sides also discussed the K9 self-propelled howitzers operated by the Indian Army.
The agencies explored ways to revitalize a 2020 bilateral defense partnership roadmap and expand industry and academic exchanges.

By Yonhap

Published Sep 29, 2026 5:34 pm KST

A K-30 Biho Hybrid armored vehicle / Newsis

Korea has discussed a stalled air defense system export project with India during their regular defense cooperation dialogue, Seoul's arms procurement agency said Tuesday, amid renewed prospects for New Delhi's potential purchase of the anti-aircraft platform.

The Biho Hybrid air defense system was among the topics discussed between officials of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and India's defense ministry during their joint commission on defense and logistics in New Delhi on Tuesday, DAPA said in a release.

India had previously considered purchasing the Biho Hybrid armored vehicle system in a potential deal estimated at $2.5 billion, but the project did not make headway amid the Indian government's push for domestic defense manufacturing.

The Biho Hybrid air defense system, built by Hanwha Aerospace, features twin 30 millimeter rapid-fire cannons for close-range targets with missiles for longer-range threats. It is considered an effective platform to counter drones and low-flying jets.

Media reports have said India is taking a fresh look at the Biho Hybrid system again amid a growing need to acquire counter-drone platforms under its military modernization efforts.

"The two sides assessed the current status of their defense industry cooperation and exchanged views on potential future partnership in various areas," DAPA said.

"In particular, the Korean side discussed ways to ensure stable progress and operational support for major joint projects, including the Biho Hybrid system currently under discussion with India and the K9 self-propelled howitzers operated by the Indian Army," it said.

They also discussed efforts to revitalize a 2020 bilateral defense partnership roadmap and expand exchanges at the industry and academic levels, the arms agency added.

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