Hyundai Rotem Wins 3rd Mass Production Contract for Wheeled Armored Vehicles Worth 407.7 Billion KRW

Hyundai Rotem Wheeled Armored Vehicle

[Photo by Hyundai Rotem]

[Asia Economy Reporter Ki-min Lee] Hyundai Rotem announced on the 29th that it has signed a contract with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) to deliver the third batch of wheeled armored vehicles worth 407.7 billion KRW.

Under this contract, Hyundai Rotem will supply two models of wheeled armored vehicles, the K806 and K808, to DAPA by 2023. Including the initial production worth 26.9 billion KRW and the second production worth 412.9 billion KRW, the total production and delivery of wheeled armored vehicles up to the third batch will amount to 847.5 billion KRW.

Previously, Hyundai Rotem secured the initial production order for wheeled armored vehicles in 2016 and completed delivery in 2018. In 2017, it secured the second production order and plans to complete all deliveries by this year.

The wheeled armored vehicles were introduced to enhance mobility, survivability, and mission capability in response to the expansion of infantry units' responsibility areas. They are divided into two models: the K806 and K808. The K806 is a 6x6 model responsible for rear-area mobile strike and reconnaissance, while the 8x8 K808 performs rapid deployment and reconnaissance missions in the forward area.

Hyundai Rotem’s wheeled armored vehicles ensure maximum survivability by providing protection against armor-piercing rounds and anti-personnel mines. They are equipped with heating and cooling systems suitable for extreme cold and heat. Additionally, independent suspension is applied to each wheel, maintaining stable ride comfort even on rough terrain, and they can reach a top speed of 100 km/h.

In particular, the K808 features run-flat tires that allow driving even when punctured, a Central Tire Inflation System (CTIS) that automatically adjusts tire pressure according to road conditions, and a water propulsion device for river crossing, demonstrating excellent off-road operational performance.

Moreover, the wheeled armored vehicle platform can be diversified into various series vehicles depending on the intended use. In fact, Hyundai Rotem secured a contract in 2016 for the development of a wheeled command vehicle system, which is expected to be completed this year. The wheeled command vehicle is equipped with a network-based combat command system, enabling rapid and efficient unit command. Hyundai Rotem has successfully completed system development and plans to pursue orders for mass production in the future.

A Hyundai Rotem official stated, “We have delivered the initial production batch of wheeled armored vehicles on schedule and are steadily delivering the second batch. Leveraging the production experience and know-how accumulated so far, we will produce and deliver high-quality vehicles for the third batch as well.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.