Kia Motors Enhances Military Project Capabilities... Developing Next-Generation Standard Platform for Military Vehicles

[Asia Economy Reporter Su-yeon Woo] Kia Motors is developing a standard platform for next-generation military vehicles and plans to begin prototype production within this year. The company is conducting preliminary research applying autonomous driving and hydrogen fuel cell technologies to future military logistics vehicles, and intends to utilize the know-how gained through this for new business ventures such as PBV (Purpose Built Vehicle).

On the 20th, Kia announced on the 28th that it held a Critical Design Review (CDR) meeting for the 2½t and 5t medium standard vehicles equipped with the next-generation military standard platform at its Gwangju plant.

(From left) Small tactical vehicle, 5t armored kit vehicle, 2½t medium standard vehicle

Kia to Supply 2½t and 5t Medium Standard Vehicles to Military in 2024

The CDR meeting is a procedure to verify whether the development requirements for detailed vehicle design are fully met and to officially confirm whether to proceed to the next stage. Participants included stakeholders such as the Army Headquarters, which oversees the military vehicle development project, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration, the Defense Agency for Technology and Quality, and partner companies.

Kia plans to start prototype production of military logistics medium standard vehicles within this year and undergo government testing and evaluation next year. After standardization and initial production testing, the vehicles will be supplied to the military for operational use starting in 2024.

This medium standard vehicle development project is a large-scale initiative jointly invested over five years by the military and Kia since the end of last year, aiming to replace the currently operated 2½t and 5t military standard vehicles and newly develop a 5t armored kit vehicle. The medium standard vehicles will be equipped with the latest commercial technologies including a 7ℓ diesel engine, automatic transmission, ABS and ASR (Anti Spin Regulator), rear parking assist, around view monitor, navigation, heated seats, and various safety and convenience features.

Next-generation 2½t Medium Standard Vehicle Under Development by Kia Motors

Development of ATV Using Mohave and Autonomous Military Logistics Vehicle

Kia has also started developing a lightweight, high-mobility military logistics vehicle (ATV) by leveraging its SUV development and manufacturing technology. Using the bare chassis of the large SUV Mohave, Kia is developing an open-top ATV and plans to unveil a concept car early next year. The completed ATV is expected to be utilized not only for military purposes but also in industrial and leisure sectors.

Additionally, Kia is actively conducting preliminary development to integrate the latest automotive technologies into military vehicles to contribute to the advancement of future combat systems. Recently, it has been reviewing preliminary research on autonomous vehicles capable of operating within military bases such as air force airfields by utilizing electric vehicle (EV) dedicated platforms and autonomous driving technologies. The autonomous driving technology is expected to lead to the development of unmanned transport vehicles that supply various materials in future combat zones.

Concept Rendering of ATV (Lightweight High-Mobility Vehicle) Utilizing Mohave Bear Chassis

Furthermore, Kia is considering the development of military vehicles using hydrogen fuel cell technology and the supply of emergency generators. Hydrogen fuel cells are regarded as suitable technology for future military vehicles due to their capability to supply large amounts of power considering the electronic warfare environment. Kia plans to first develop and supply generators for logistics vehicles and apply hydrogen fuel cell technology to future military vehicles equipped with advanced weapon systems such as laser guns.

Kia is promoting new businesses such as logistics and leisure PBVs (Purpose Built Vehicles) by leveraging its experience in developing multi-model, small-volume production vehicles like military vehicles. The PBV business, like military vehicles, requires a production system capable of multi-model, small-volume manufacturing and excellent body durability.

Earlier, in January, Kia established a new organization to promote new businesses and has been pursuing PBV and other new ventures from a mid- to long-term perspective. In June, Kia President Ho-sung Song visited the Gwangju Hanam plant where military vehicles are produced and nearby specialized vehicle companies to assess the domestic ecosystem for the PBV business.

A Kia official said, "The military logistics business is pursued with the purpose of contributing to the nation and realizing public interest. By developing and deploying the military medium standard vehicles in a timely manner, we will contribute to boosting the morale and combat capability of our military."

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