Next-Generation Standard Military Vehicle Unveiled After 48 Years
Enhanced Troop and Cargo Transport Capabilities
Expanded Convenience Features
Kia has begun full-scale mass production of the Army's next-generation mid-size standard vehicle (KMTV).
On June 10, Kia held a ceremony at the Autoland Gwangju Hanam plant to commemorate the rollout of the next-generation mid-size standard vehicle. The event was attended by over 100 people, including Kim Iktae, Executive Vice President and Head of Kia's Special Vehicle Division, Moon Jaewoong, Executive Vice President of Autoland Gwangju, officials from the Ministry of National Defense, and the president of the Defense Agency for Technology and Quality.
The mid-size standard vehicle is a next-generation model introduced 48 years after its predecessor from 1977. Kia began mass production after signing a business contract with the Army in December 2019, followed by prototype development, development and operational testing, initial trial production, and pilot production phases.
The vehicle is available in two models, 2½-ton and 5-ton, each equipped with a 280-horsepower or 330-horsepower diesel engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. It features the ability to ford rivers up to 1 meter deep, handle 60% longitudinal gradients (ascending and descending slopes in forward and reverse), and 40% lateral gradients (driving while tilted sideways). Additional features include electromagnetic shielding, cold start capability at minus 32 degrees Celsius, run-flat tires, and transport capacity for up to 25 people (for the 5-ton model).
It also comes equipped with a range of advanced convenience features, such as an around-view monitor, air suspension seats, front and rear cameras, and navigation. The vehicle offers enhanced protection performance based on superior payload capacity compared to existing military standard vehicles and light tactical vehicles.
Kia will begin delivering the mid-size standard vehicle to the Army this month and plans to supply it to both domestic and international customers in the future. Designated as a defense industry company in 1973, Kia established the nation's only specialized research institute for special vehicles in 1985, began mass production of the new Jeep (K-131) in 1997, and delivered 15-ton heavy equipment transport vehicles in 2001, thereby building a diverse military vehicle production system. In 2017, Kia also began mass production of the country's first multipurpose tactical vehicle, the light tactical vehicle (KLTV).
A Kia representative stated, "Kia's military vehicles are recognized for their off-road performance and durability, leading to expanded global sales. We will continue to present a future vision for military mobility by developing special vehicles that support the safe movement of troops through the application of innovative technologies."
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