[Yang Nakgyu's Defence Club] Hyundai Rotem Targets Niche Market for Armored Vehicles

First Public Test Run of 30-Ton Class Wheeled Armored Vehicle for the Press
Heavier Weight Targets Defense Market with Enhanced Troop Protection and Firepower

Armored vehicles are emerging as a key focus in the global defense industry. The primary purpose of an armored vehicle is to safely transport troops. In the early 20th century, armored vehicles were simple; they were essentially regular vehicles reinforced with steel plates. However, armored vehicles began to evolve, especially after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. During an air raid on the city of Orikhiv in June 2023, Ukrainian forces deployed their elite armored unit, the M2A2 Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle.

Russia responded by launching a counterattack, planting numerous anti-tank mines in the ground. Despite these mine explosions, Ukrainian troops emerged unscathed, with videos showing soldiers walking out of their vehicles on their own. Defense companies worldwide have since accelerated the development of armored vehicle technologies. The Korean defense industry is no exception. Hyundai Rotem has developed a 30-ton class wheeled armored vehicle. To witness the first-ever public test run of this 30-ton class wheeled armored vehicle by a news agency, I visited the Korea Automobile Testing & Research Institute (KATRI) in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi Province.

On the straight test track, I saw the 30-ton class wheeled armored vehicle, boasting a massive presence. Each wheel stood over 1 meter tall. The vehicle is equipped with a total of eight run-flat tires. These specially designed tires allow the vehicle to continue driving even if they are punctured by gunfire while on the move. Even if the armored vehicle runs over a mine and the tires are damaged, it can still travel 50 kilometers at a speed of 50 km/h. The vehicle can also keep running even if the tires catch fire. Fire extinguishers are mounted above each tire. Even if the drive shaft is damaged, the vehicle remains operational because each wheel operates with an independent drive system. This means that even if one or two wheels are severely damaged, the vehicle can still move.

The 30-ton class wheeled armored vehicle began its run. Starting up, it successfully climbed a 60% longitudinal slope and a 40% lateral slope. On flat ground, it easily exceeded a speed of 100 km/h. When stopped, the 30-ton class wheeled armored vehicle (measuring 9.3 meters in length, 3.1 meters in width, and 2.8 meters in height) appeared truly imposing up close. It is larger than the K808 wheeled armored vehicle currently in service with the Korean military (7.4 meters long, 2.7 meters wide, and 2.3 meters high). The vehicle weighs 30 tons when equipped with a 30mm turret, but if fitted with a 105mm large-caliber turret for fire support, the weight increases to 35 tons. This is why it is referred to as a 30-ton class vehicle. Its standard armament includes a 30mm autocannon and two anti-tank missiles.

The first-ever public test run of the 30-ton class wheeled armored vehicle by a news agency. Hyundai Rotem

The 30-ton class wheeled armored vehicle is also amphibious. While normally powered by its wheels, it activates high-performance water propulsion propellers when operating in water deeper than 2 meters. The propeller, installed at the rear of the vehicle, is designed as a ducted fan structure that is not exposed externally. Using a hydraulic system, it can reach speeds of 10 km/h on water. This is faster than the smaller K808 (27 tons, 8 km/h). The 30-ton class wheeled armored vehicle, clad in heavy armor, also boasts enhanced protection. According to officials, it can withstand hits from heavy machine guns on the battlefield. Its protection level corresponds to Level 4 ballistic protection under the NATO Standardization Agreement (STANAG).

The vehicle can carry eight infantry soldiers, in addition to the driver, gunner, and commander. Inside, monitors are installed above the passenger seats, allowing real-time viewing of the battlefield environment outside the vehicle. In the driver's seat, a steering wheel bearing the Hyundai logo stands out. The driving method is not significantly different from that of a standard car. The monitors are equipped with front, rear, and side cameras, as well as an around-view function. The driver's seat is spacious, designed with larger European body types in mind.

Jung Jiseung, lead researcher of the armored vehicle systems team, stated, "The 30-ton class wheeled armored vehicle is an export model targeting the European market. As the vehicle has grown in size, it can now carry up to 11 personnel and offers improved comfort for those inside."