Since being designated as a defense contractor in 1973, Kia has produced standard vehicles for the Republic of Korea Armed Forces and operates the country’s only dedicated military vehicle development research center, equipped with specialized production facilities and systems. By developing a wide range of vehicle types that meet military performance requirements, leveraging fielding experience, and providing comprehensive logistics support, the company has built a system that consistently ensures military combat capability.

As a complete vehicle manufacturer within Hyundai Motor Group, Kia actively utilizes the advanced technologies, engines, transmissions and other shared components used in its passenger and commercial vehicles, as well as production facilities and partner networks, to enhance the performance of military vehicles. This also enables the company to supply vehicles at reasonable prices, contributing to national defense and cost-efficient military operations.

On the strength of the proven performance and quality of its military vehicles in service with the Republic of Korea Armed Forces, Kia has been entering an average of two new countries per year and currently supplies products to more than 30 nations, including Poland, the Philippines, Chile and Mali. In some countries, it supports industrialization through local production and strengthens cooperation with partner governments, thereby contributing to the enhancement of military and diplomatic relations between states.

Kia participated successively in major international defense exhibitions last year, including UAE IDEX 2025, DSEI 2025 in the United Kingdom, and Seoul ADEX 2025, where it showcased a differentiated lineup of military vehicles featuring advanced technologies and performance.

Kia’s flagship defense products include the next-generation medium standard vehicle (KMTV), the Light Tactical Vehicle (KLTV), and the Tasman military command vehicle.

Outstanding off-road capability in rough terrain: ‘Next-generation Medium Standard Vehicle’

The next-generation medium standard vehicle (KMTV) has been supplied to the Republic of Korea Armed Forces since last year, replacing the existing 2½-ton and 5-ton standard military vehicles. Equipped with various convenience features such as front and rear cameras and navigation systems, it can safely transport troops and supplies. It demonstrates excellent off-road performance, including: △ fording rivers with a water depth of 1 m △ driving on 60% longitudinal gradients (ascending and descending slopes in forward and reverse gears) and 40% lateral slopes △ electromagnetic shielding design △ starting at minus 32 degrees Celsius △ transporting up to 25 troops or 10 tons of cargo.

Global deployment with high mobility and versatility: ‘Light Tactical Vehicle’

Kia’s Light Tactical Vehicle (KLTV) is recognized for its superior mobility and high platform-based versatility, and is operated not only by the Republic of Korea Armed Forces but also in Europe, the Middle East, the Asia-Pacific region, and Latin America. It was selected last year as the new vehicle in Poland’s military vehicle replacement program.

The Light Tactical Vehicle offers robust off-road capabilities, including: △ fording rivers with a water depth of 760 mm △ driving on 60% longitudinal gradients and 40% lateral slopes △ protection against small arms fire and explosives △ starting at minus 32 degrees Celsius △ electromagnetic shielding. These features support the safe movement of troops even in extreme environments.

The Kia KLTV can be adapted to various military purposes, including: △ a “four-seat cargo” variant capable of carrying freight △ a “drone carrier” that enhances reconnaissance capability △ an “AI surveillance vehicle” that can monitor hazardous areas without location constraints.

Standard command pickup for the Republic of Korea Armed Forces: ‘Tasman’

The Tasman military command vehicle is based on the off-road performance and safety and convenience features of the traditional Tasman pickup, with additional equipment such as radios and antennas to enhance operational capability. It was selected last year as the standard command pickup for the Republic of Korea Armed Forces and has been deployed to active units.

The Tasman command vehicle is characterized by enhanced crew protection and fording capability, with the application of a bull bar (protective frame), snorkel (submersion-prevention air intake), and tactical rack (shelf installed in the cargo bed).

Depending on its intended use, the Tasman can be configured as △ an operational command vehicle △ a cargo vehicle △ a fuel tanker △ a refrigerated/frozen provisions truck, among other variants.

A Kia official stated, “Drawing on more than 50 years of development experience, the company will continue to produce customized special-purpose vehicles for safe troop movement and tactical operations, presenting a future vision for military mobility.”

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