South Korea’s Kia Motors launch new tactical military truck models

The latest Kia MTV trucks were displayed in Seoul International ADEX 2019. Photo c/o IHS Jane's.

As part of the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX) 2019, South Korean automotive company Kia Motors recently launched its new line of tactical military 2 ½-ton and 5-ton trucks called the Medium Tactical Vehicles (MTV) that they intend to market to the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA) as replacement to its existing trucks.

The new design uses a cab-over-engine (COE) configuration unlike Kia’s existing KM250 and KM500 trucks which uses the conventional configuration of the engine being in front with a bonneted cab.

The vehicles will also have STANAG 4569 Level 2 armored protection in the cabin and side walls in the rear cargo area to protect the driver and passengers from small arms and shrapnel.

The trucks will benefit also from newer engine technology, and will be using the same 7-liter Kia diesel engine powering the latest Pavise commercial trucks from mother company Hyundai Motors.

The Kia MTV can also be configured as a troop or cargo carrier, support vehicle, command post, and other roles, and can fit inside a Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules heavy airlift aircraft.


[1] Jane’s Defence Weekly