Kia is participating in IDEX 2025 (International Defense Exhibition & Conference) at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre from February 17 to 21, with over 1,350 exhibitors from 65 countries. The company is showcasing three key military vehicle platforms that demonstrate its tactical mobility solutions.
Kia Medium Tactical Vehicle
The Kia Medium Tactical Vehicle (KMTV) is set to replace South Korea’s current 2.5-ton and 5-ton military standard vehicles starting in June 2025. Equipped with front and rear cameras and navigation for safe troop and supply transport, its modular design positions the driver’s seat behind the engine for enhanced frontal protection. Specific capabilities include:
- 1-metre river crossing
- 60% longitudinal and 40% lateral slope handling
- Seating for up to 25 passengers
Kia Light Tactical Vehicle
The Kia Light Tactical Vehicle (KLTV) is designed for versatility and safety. It offers a 760mm river crossing capability, manages 60% longitudinal and 40% lateral slopes, and features cold-start functionality at -32°C alongside electromagnetic wave shielding. In mass production for the South Korean military, the KLTV chassis is also widely sold in the Middle East—several UAE manufacturers, such as Streit Group, have based their own armoured vehicles on this platform. The KLTV is adopted in regions including the Middle East, Europe, Southeast Asia, and South America, and it has been selected for Poland’s military vehicle replacement program.
Kia Tasman Troopy
The militarised Tasman is based on the commercially available Tasman SUV but is modified for military applications. Upgrades include:
- A snorkel, bull bars, antenna, and winch
- A military-compliant electric power supply, troop seating, electronic locking differential, and blackout lighting
- A twin cab configuration that accommodates five soldiers
Displayed at IDEX in a pickup configuration, the Tasman will also become available in additional versions—a cargo bed, a van body (suitable as an ambulance or repair shop van), a flatbed with a single cab, and a bare chassis for custom body installations.
A Kia spokesperson stated, “We aim to showcase Kia’s advanced technology across a range of military vehicles, from mid-sized trucks to pickups, and will continue developing mission-specific vehicles to support military operations.”
Additional showcase items include:
- Mock-ups of a lightweight 105mm self-propelled howitzer mounted on a vehicle
- An anti-drone integrated defence system (ADS) for small and medium-sized tactical vehicles
- A remote-controlled weapon system (RCWS) that can be operated from within the vehicle