Hajvairy Group, a private sector conglomerate, has signed partnership deal with South Korea’s Kia Motors to propose the latter’s Light Tactical Vehicle (LTV), also referred as KM1, to the Pakistan Army at the 2018 International Defence Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS), which was held in Karachi, Pakistan in 27-30 November.
Kia's 4x4 Light Tactical Vehicle displayed at IDEAS 2018, defense exhibition in Pakistan. (Picture source: Twitter)
The Kia LTV (KLTV) was among several light armored vehicle platforms on display at IDEAS, ostensibly in the running for a Ministry of Defense Production (MoDP) program from 2016-2017 under the Light Armed Vehicle Assault (LAVA) program. In IDEAS 2016, the Spanish company UROVESA showed-off its VAMTAC High Mobility Tactical Vehicle’ in partnership with Metal Engineering Works. Hajvairy Group told Quwa that if selected, it would get the KLTV assembled at Heavy Industries Taxila (HIT) under a public-private partnership between HIT and Hajvairy Group. Pasha Group and Cavalier Group are also proposing light armored vehicles under similar arrangements (i.e. joint-production with HIT).
A baseline chassis of the Kia LTV can be developed into various models to suit mission requirements. This vehicle is available with two wheelbase versions - standard and long. A stretched version is used to carry more troops and specialized equipment. The stretch version can carry up to 8 troops. Various versions of the Kia Light Tactical Vehicle have already been developed, including command vehicle, reconnaissance vehicle, artillery observation vehicle, maintenance vehicle, communications equipment vehicle and other. This multi-purpose vehicle can be also configured to suit other roles. Both armored and unarmored versions of this vehicle are available. An armored version can be recognized by a two-piece windscreen, made of ballistic glass.
The Kia LTV uses a number of commercially available automotive components. Vehicle is powered by a turbocharged diesel engine, developing 225 hp. It complies with EURO 5 emission requirements. Engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Vehicle has an electronically controlled four-wheel drive system. Run-flat tyres and self-recovery winch are optional.
