[Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club] K-Series Tanks Without Crew Members to Be Released

[Asia Economy Yang Nak-gyu, Military Specialist Reporter] The K-series tanks and armored vehicles deployed in our military will be remotely unmanned. Domestic defense companies Hyundai Rotem and LIG Nex1 have secured the unmanned mobility combat system project and plan to develop unmanned technology by 2024.

According to the industry on the 24th, Hyundai Rotem and LIG Nex1 recently won the mobility combat system remote unmanned project from the Defense Industry Technology Support Center under the Agency for Defense Development. The project is worth 7.4 billion KRW and involves technology to remotely control K-series tanks, armored vehicles, and self-propelled artillery deployed in our military. The project includes ▲external remote control devices ▲automatic return function in case of communication loss ▲360-degree situational awareness technology.

Converting K-series armored vehicles and tanks to unmanned use can replace the roles of soldiers reduced by defense reform. Also, missions can be performed manned during peacetime and switched to unmanned depending on battlefield conditions, significantly enhancing the survivability of friendly forces. Furthermore, when multipurpose unmanned vehicles for infantry are operated, they can simultaneously perform remote reconnaissance and scouting missions, as well as transport heavy and bulky combat supplies, improving the survivability and combat power of infantry units.

Hyundai Rotem has already showcased the multipurpose unmanned vehicle 'HR-Sherpa' at the '72nd Armed Forces Day Commemoration Event.' The HR-Sherpa features excellent mobility with a 360-degree on-the-spot rotation function and uses airless tires advantageous for rough terrain driving, eliminating the risk of punctures. It is also equipped with a Remote Control Weapon System (RCWS) produced by Hyundai Wia, enabling long-distance detection and reconnaissance, and can perform various missions such as logistics and casualty evacuation, fire support, and hazardous material detection depending on the purpose.

LIG Nex1 has also demonstrated unmanned technology with the 'Coastal Surveillance and Reconnaissance Unmanned Surface Vehicle.' This unmanned surface vehicle is deployed at frontline island bases to conduct coastal surveillance and reconnaissance missions and can perform initial response operations in case of maritime disasters. Equipped with remote control devices, autonomous navigation sensors, and hull control systems, it infiltrates coastal and radar blind spots to fill gaps in military surveillance networks. Its small size and light weight allow it to freely access shallow waters where larger vessels cannot approach.

The military authorities unveiled the first unmanned surface vehicle, Haegum, in 2017. Haegum is 8 meters long, weighs 3 tons, and has a maximum speed of 30 knots (54 km/h). It incorporates autonomous navigation control and electronic and information technology (IT). Haegum was promoted as a pilot project and has not yet been operationalized, but the Navy plans to operate unmanned surface vehicles in the near future.