Dasan Machineries DSAR-15
South Korean AR-15 variant with piston and direct impingement options.
The Dasan Machineries DSAR-15 is a selective-fire assault rifle chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO, built on an AR-15 platform by the South Korean company Dasan Machineries.
The rifle became a central figure in South Korea’s efforts to replace the aging K1A submachine gun. Two separate acquisition programs were launched: the Special Operations Submachine Gun Type-I in 2016, aimed at developing a new weapon for large-scale military adoption, and the Type-II program in 2019, focused on buying existing designs in smaller numbers for immediate use by the Republic of Korea Army Special Warfare Command. The Type-I program was initially expected to run from 2020 to 2024, with mass production starting that year.
In June 2020, the DSAR-15PC—a close-quarters variant with a short-stroke gas piston system—was selected as the base model for Type-I, beating out the S&T Motiv STC-16. An unnamed South Korean military official stated that 1,000 units would go to the 707th Special Mission Group and the 13th Special Mission Brigade, with 15,000 more modified versions to follow by 2023. However, the DSAR-15PC was canceled in June 2021 after allegations that a former Dasan executive had leaked military secrets, forcing the program to restart. Some have suggested the cancellation was politically motivated.
The Type-I program resumed in 2023. Despite penalties, Dasan Machineries—initially a preferred bidder—is expected to compete again with a new variant, the DSAR-15PQ, which features a quick-release barrel. Meanwhile, the Type-II program selected the S&T Motiv STC-16, designating it the K13 in October 2023, with an initial order of 1,710 units. An improved version of the STC-16 will later compete against Dasan’s DSAR-15 offering for the restarted Type-I project, which aims to deliver another 16,000 carbines.
The DSAR-15 family includes several variants. The base DSAR-15 uses direct gas impingement. The DSAR-15P adds a short-stroke piston system derived from the HK416 and CAR 816, available in 11.5-inch (CQB), 14.5-inch (carbine), and 16-inch (rifle) barrels. The DSAR-15PC is a CQB variant of the DSAR-15P, initially chosen for the South Korean replacement program before cancellation. The DSAR-15PQ is a further modification with a quick-release barrel.
The rifle has been adopted by several Asian users.
Quick Facts
- Origin
- Republic of Korea
- Is Ranged
- Yes
- Designer
- Dasan Machineries
- Design Date
- 2020-present
- Production Date
- 2021-present
- Weight
- 3.0 kg (DSAR15PC, w/o magazine)
- Length
- 760 mm (DSAR15PC, extended)
- Part Length
- 292 mm (DSAR15PC)
- Cartridge
- 5.56×45mm NATO
- Action
- direct gas impingement (DSAR-15) · short-stroke gas piston (DSAR-15P, DSAR-15PC)
- Rate
- 700-950 rounds/min
- Range
- 550 m
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The DSAR-15 was developed by Dasan Machineries as an AR-15–style assault rifle chambered in 5.56×45mm NATO. The base model operates via direct gas impingement, while the DSAR-15P variant introduced a short-stroke piston action derived from the HK416 and CAR 816, available in three barrel lengths: 11.5 inches for close-quarters battle, 14.5 inches as a carbine, and 16 inches as a rifle. The DSAR-15PC is a CQB variant of the DSAR-15P, initially selected in June 2020 as the base model for the Republic of Korea Armed Forces' Special Operations Submachine Gun Type-I program, intended to replace the K1A. However, the project was cancelled in June 2021 following allegations that a former executive of the manufacturer had leaked military secrets, though there are allegations that the cancellation was politically motivated. The Type-I program later restarted in 2023, and Dasan Machineries, despite facing penalties, is expected to bid with the new DSAR-15PQ model, which features a quick-release barrel.
Reader's Guide
The DSAR-15 series represents a significant attempt by Dasan Machineries to modernize South Korean special forces armament through the Type-I program, which aimed to replace the outdated K1A submachine gun. The selection of the DSAR-15PC in June 2020 over the S&T Motiv STC-16 marked a pivotal moment, with plans to deliver 1,000 units to the 707th Special Mission Group and the 13th Special Mission Brigade for feedback, followed by 15,000 modified carbines by 2023. The cancellation in June 2021 due to a security leak allegation disrupted these plans, forcing the program to restart. Despite this setback, Dasan Machineries continues to develop the DSAR-15PQ with a quick-release barrel for the reinitiated Type-I program, competing against an improved version of the STC-16. Internationally, the DSAR-15 has found users in Bangladesh, where the Special Warfare Diving and Salvage (SWADS) of the Bangladesh Navy uses the DSAR-15P, and in Indonesia, where the Special Response Team of the Indonesian Maritime Security Agency and various special forces units employ the DSAR-15P. The Philippine National Police received 5,755 DSAR-15s in 2023, and in January 2026, Dasan received a contract to supply DSAR-15s to the Philippine Army. The DSAR-15's legacy is thus one of domestic ambition tempered by controversy, alongside growing export success.
Did You Know?
- The DSAR-15PC was initially selected in June 2020 for the Type-I program but cancelled in June 2021 due to allegations of military secrets being leaked by a former executive.
- The DSAR-15PQ features a quick-release barrel and is expected to be bid for the restarted Type-I program.
More in Assault Rifles, Part 2 1-24
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced