In January of last year, the 1st Security Battalion of the Army Capital Defense Command carried out a mobility training exercise using K808 wheeled armored vehicles, known as Baekho, right in downtown Seoul. Footage released by the Defense Public Relations Agency shows these armored vehicles maneuvering through urban terrain as part of routine preparedness.
Early on January 25 this year, a similar scene unfolded as a convoy of 12 armored vehicles crossed Dongjak Bridge in the South Korean capital, accompanied by heavily armed troops. The noisy procession caused alarm, leading some residents to believe a military conflict was underway. One witness told police, “It felt like a war was breaking out.” However, the reality was far less dramatic—this was another scheduled mobility drill by the 1st Security Battalion.
According to the Army, the exercise was part of a scenario in which forces were mobilized to protect the War Command Headquarters. “The training is meant to familiarize troops with operating armored vehicles in Seoul’s challenging terrain and infrastructure,” an official explained. The disturbance was simply a miscommunication, with some citizens unaware of the military’s routine activities.
The Rise of Wheeled Armored Vehicles
This recent training also highlighted the increasing use of the K808, an eight-wheeled armored vehicle, which reflects a shift in military strategy. Traditionally, ground operations have favored tracked vehicles, but wheeled variants are gaining traction due to evolving battlefield needs. These vehicles offer superior mobility and are well-suited for the increasingly complex operational environments in which modern armies must function.
Military vehicles are typically classified as tracked or wheeled based on their movement systems. Tracked vehicles move by rotating continuous treads, while wheeled vehicles operate much like ordinary trucks or SUVs. Armored cars can be further categorized depending on their mission as Armored Personnel Carriers (APCs) or Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs).
Historically, the introduction of light tanks during World War I marked the decline of early armored vehicles. Still, their importance was revived during World War II through blitzkrieg tactics and the use of armored divisions. These changes led to developing specialized APCs and IFVs designed to keep pace with tanks during combat.
In Europe, Germany pioneered the “mounted combat” concept, which called for APCs to operate alongside tanks. This resulted in the development of IFVs, a trend that gained momentum by the mid-1960s.
Wheeled vs. Tracked Vehicles: A Strategic Debate
The debate over wheeled versus tracked vehicles has persisted for decades, especially as the U.S. military continues to refine its strategies. In recent years, the U.S. has emphasized wheeled vehicles more, seeing them as key to ensuring rapid global deployments.
The U.S. Army’s Objective Force initiative aims to mobilize an entire brigade worldwide within four days. The Army adopted the Stryker, a wheeled armored vehicle designed for speed and agility to meet this demand. With this shift, the Army has doubled down on developing wheeled platforms, critical to future operational readiness.
Globally, many militaries, including the U.S., are now opting for a mixed fleet of tracked and wheeled vehicles. Technological advancements have improved the armament and survivability of wheeled vehicles, allowing them to take on more combat roles traditionally reserved for tracked vehicles.
Comparing Capabilities: Mobility vs. Firepower
Wheeled armored vehicles tend to weigh less than their tracked counterparts, even when outfitted with enhanced weapons systems. For example, the U.S. Stryker weighs 19.3 tons, while Russia’s BTR-90 weighs 20.9 tons. In comparison, tracked IFVs, like the M2A3 Bradley, are significantly heavier, tipping the scales at over 30 tons due to their heavier armament and additional armor.
Tracked vehicles generally have an edge in firepower and protection. APCs are usually lightly armed and often equipped with machine guns or grenade launchers. On the other hand, tracked IFVs come armed with autocannons and anti-tank missiles, making them far more formidable on the battlefield.
However, wheeled vehicles excel in speed and range, often surpassing 60 miles per hour and consuming less fuel. This makes them highly effective in reconnaissance, urban combat, and base defense operations.
Therefore, tracked vehicles generally excel in terms of armament and protection. Wheeled APCs primarily transport infantry and typically feature light armor and a medium machine gun or automatic grenade launcher.
In contrast, tracked IFVs are designed to quickly transport combat troops and provide fire support after disembarking, enhancing tactical mobility and survivability. They feature superior armor and can mount 20 to 40-mm autocannons and anti-tank missiles.
Consequently, IFVs require higher combat weight for heavy armament and armor, making tracked vehicles more favorable. Wheeled cars tend to have higher chassis, necessitating space for suspension systems, which results in less internal space for personnel and equipment. This height can negatively impact their protection capabilities.
Nevertheless, the mobility of wheeled armored vehicles cannot be overlooked. They can exceed 100 km/h (about 62 mph) and have longer operational ranges. Their fuel consumption is significantly lower, making wheeled vehicles superior in operational capabilities. This is why wheeled armored vehicles score more strategically and tactically than tracked vehicles.
Tackling Tough Terrain
The actual test of any armored vehicle is how it performs in difficult terrain. Tracked vehicles have an advantage here, as their treads distribute weight more evenly, allowing them to navigate mud, sand, and soft ground easily. Wheeled vehicles, which place more pressure on the ground, can struggle in these conditions. However, recent innovations like run-flat tires and adjustable tire pressure systems have improved their performance in challenging environments.
Furthermore, wheeled vehicles have the advantage of lighter weight, making them easier to transport by air and more fuel-efficient during long deployments. Some models, such as the K808, are also equipped with water-jet propulsion systems, enabling them to operate in amphibious roles. However, tracked vehicles like the K21 rely on inflatable flotation devices to perform similar tasks.
A Balancing Act in Modern Warfare
While tracked vehicles will likely remain a staple of heavy combat units, the increasing importance of mobility on modern battlefields means that wheeled vehicles are becoming a more common sight. The U.S. Army continues to refine its use of both types of platforms, seeking a balance between speed, firepower, and survivability. As new technologies emerge, the line between tracked and wheeled vehicles is beginning to blur, with both playing critical roles in future military operations.
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