Hyundai Wia Unveils Lightweight Self-Propelled Howitzer for the First Time at Defense Exhibition

Hyundai Wia announced on the 2nd that it will showcase land weapon systems such as a lightweight 105mm self-propelled howitzer and a vehicle-mounted 81mm mortar at the 2024 Korea International Defense Industry Exhibition, which opened on the same day. Together with its affiliates Kia and Hyundai Rotem, it organized the Hyundai Motor Group integrated exhibition hall.

Lightweight 05mm self-propelled artillery exhibited by Hyundai Wia [Photo provided by Hyundai Wia]

The newly unveiled lightweight 105mm self-propelled howitzer reduces the weight of the howitzer and supplements it with an automatic fire control system, making it a product mounted on small tactical vehicles. It enables rapid deployment of the howitzer even in narrow terrain and rough roads. It is also capable of air transport. While reducing the operating personnel from 6 to 4, it maintains similar maximum firing range and speed as the existing 105mm howitzer.

They also showcased a vehicle-mounted 81mm mortar based on the 81mm Mortar-II currently in operational service. This weapon system, widely used in ground combat, is mounted on small tactical vehicles. It was developed based on a prototype produced through the Defense Technology Promotion Research Institute’s weapon system modification and development support project in July and has completed environmental testing. A mobile remote-controlled weapon system (RCWS) capable of firing while the vehicle is moving was also exhibited. This weapon system allows operators inside the vehicle to monitor battlefield conditions and targets remotely and fire the weapon accordingly.

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