Japan Self-Defense Force unveiled the Type 20 next-generation 5.56mm service rifle along with the new H&K VP9 service pistol. The under-barrel grenade launcher is said to be Beretta GLX 160.
Type 20 will replace existing Type 89 service rifles, which funnily enough never fully replaced the older Type 64 due to JSDF's infamously slow procurement rate.
Around 3,000 rifles will be distributed this year, with the JGSDF's Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade being the first user. Japanese Ministry of Defense estimates it will take 30 YEARS to fully distribute 150,000 rifles.
Each rifle is said to cost 280,000 yen (around $2,600), which is surprisingly cheaper than foreign counterparts such as the HK416 and SCAR-L.
Meanwhile, the Republic of Korea Armed Forces likely won't develop a new service rifle for the foreseeable future. It appears that South Korea is keeping a close tab on US military's trials on 6.8mm cartridge, having begun its own 6.8mm cartridge development program.
Instead, S&T Motiv K2C1 was chosen as an interim service rifle to augment the existing K2. K2C1 entered service in 2016 and are being distributed across various branches, while existing K1 carbines will likely be replaced by a new 5.56mm carbine.