Kia Corporation is showcasing two light tactical defense vehicle concepts at the 2021 International Defense Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) being held in Abu Dhabi this week.
The new four-seater Light Tactical Cargo Truck concept displayed at the largest international defense exhibition in the Middle East and Africa adopts a “bold, commanding design” and has been equipped with a cargo container for transporting troops alongside diverse armory, said Kia.
Kia first started supplying its light tactical vehicles to the South Korean army in 2016 and is considered a standard-bearer for vehicle quality in the country’s military operation system. The South Korean firm added that it expects the added visual appeal and usability to stimulate further demand for its military vehicles.
Kia is also displaying the vehicle’s bare chassis to highlight the scaleability of the truck’s powertrain and basic frame for a range of armored vehicles.
“Our participation at IDEX 2021 is an opportunity to promote Kia’s latest developments in the design of future defense vehicles,” explained Ik-tae Kim, VP, Special Vehicle Division, Kia. “Both concepts on display have been developed to be highly flexible and durable, with the capability to be used in some of the world’s harshest environments.”
Driver’s notes: Kia Light Tactical Cargo Truck
“Kia has developed the Light Tactical Cargo Truck concept in close cooperation between the Defense Acquisition Program Administration. The vehicle’s modular chassis has enabled Kia to offer standard and long-wheel base variants alongside armored and unarmored versions for purposes including tactical commanding and reconnaissance, weapon installment, target observation and multi-purpose for supporting.
“Differentiated by its unique design, the four-person Light Tactical Cargo Truck has been optimised for use by military forces by offering superior mobility, outstanding durability and a high level of functionality. The unarmored long wheelbase design features a superstructure that can be tailored to underpin different structures such as a cargo box, a mobile workshop and a communications centre. The vehicle can also carry ten fully-armed soldiers and up to three tons of cargo in the vehicle’s rear compartment.
“The Kia Light Tactical Cargo Truck is powered by a 225 horsepower Euro 5 diesel engine, with power sent to all four wheels via state-of-the-art 8-speed automatic transmission. The truck also features an independent suspension system, air conditioning, a limited-slip differential, run-flat tyres and an electro-magnetic interference system.”
