Hanwha Aerospace proposes Tigon armored vehicle family to Chile to strengthen strategic autonomy through local production.

As reported by Krystian Pograniczny on May 8, 2025, the South Korean company Hanwha Aerospace submitted a comprehensive offer centered on its Tigon armored vehicle to Chile, which is modernizing its wheeled armored vehicle fleet under the CROMO program. The offer includes three base configurations, 4x4, 6x6, and 8x8, along with a commitment to adapt the vehicles to Chilean requirements. The proposal emphasizes provisions for technology transfer, joint production, and extensive training programs for both operators and maintenance personnel. This approach aligns with Chile’s intention to strengthen its domestic defense capabilities while acquiring modern wheeled armored platforms.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The Tigon 8x8 variant weighs between 32 and 34 tons, depending on configuration, and supports a wide range of armament options, including 30 mm autocannons, 105 mm guns, and anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) systems. (Picture source: Hanwha Aerospace)

The Tigon 4x4 variant weighs approximately 14 tons and is designed with a modular structure that allows for configuration into 15 different versions. These include armored personnel carrier, reconnaissance vehicle, ambulance, command vehicle, and engineering support. It offers ballistic protection up to STANAG 4569 Level 4 and mine protection up to Level 3. The vehicle’s high mobility and modularity support its use in both military and public security operations. Its design enables flexibility for adapting to mission-specific roles.

The 6x6 version of the Tigon weighs 21 tons and is powered by a 525-horsepower Caterpillar C9.3 engine, achieving speeds of up to 110 km/h with an operational range of 800 km. It can carry up to 11 personnel and is compatible with 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm remotely controlled weapon stations (RCWS) and 30 mm unmanned turrets. The variant features ballistic protection rated at STANAG 4569 Level 4 and mine protection at the same level. It uses independent suspension with a double wishbone configuration and is amphibious, with jet propulsion enabling water speeds of 8.5 km/h. This version was first introduced at the Defense Services Asia (DSA) 2018 exhibition in Kuala Lumpur and was co-developed with Malaysia’s AVP Engineering. Its hull is made from all-welded steel with optional bolt-on armor. The crew layout includes a driver, commander, and gunner, with eight blast-protected troop seats. It also includes a central tire pressure control system and optional CBRN protection. The drivetrain features an American-made Allison 4500SP automatic transmission with six forward and one reverse gear.

The Tigon 8x8 variant weighs between 32 and 34 tons, depending on configuration, and is powered by a 700-horsepower engine. It reaches a top speed of 100 km/h and maintains an operational range of 800 km. It carries 11 personnel and supports a wide range of armament options, including 30 mm autocannons, 105 mm guns, and anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) systems. It offers ballistic protection up to STANAG 4569 Level 6 and mine protection up to Level 4. One configuration is equipped with the TAipers (Cheongeom) ATGM system, featuring an 8 km range, a flight speed of 200 m/s, and the ability to penetrate up to 1,000 mm of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA). This version is intended for long-range anti-armor engagements and was selected for South Korea’s 24-1 Export Weapon System Modification and Development Project, led by the Korea Research Institute for Defense Technology Planning and Advancement (KRIT), with a contract signed in September 2024.

The 6x6 version of the Tigon, powered by a 525-horsepower Caterpillar C9.3 engine, is compatible with 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm remotely controlled weapon stations (RCWS) and 30 mm unmanned turrets. (Picture source: Hanwha Aerospace)

A further 8x8 configuration incorporates a Remote Weapon Control System (RWCS), enabling internal control of onboard armament. The turret supports 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine guns and automatic grenade launchers. Integrated electro-optical sensors, comprising day cameras, thermal imagers, and laser rangefinders, allow for effective target acquisition and engagement under varied conditions. This variant is compatible with C4ISR systems, enhancing situational awareness and command connectivity. It is suited for patrol, escort, and reconnaissance missions in operational environments requiring protected mobility and responsive firepower.

Another variant mounts the Cockerill 3105 turret developed by CMI Defence, featuring a low-recoil 105 mm cannon capable of both direct and indirect fire with NATO-standard ammunition. This configuration aims to deliver increased firepower without compromising mobility. Introduced at DX Korea 2018, it includes modern fire control and electro-optical targeting systems. The vehicle retains a weight of 32 to 34 tons and utilizes an independent double wishbone suspension system designed to enhance off-road stability.

Hanwha Aerospace also offers a self-propelled mortar version of the Tigon 8x8, equipped with a 120 mm gun-mortar system. Two configurations are available: a turret-mounted version with automatic loading, and a fully enclosed variant. The enclosed design allows for indirect fire without exposing the crew, while the automated loader increases firing rate and efficiency. This system is designed to provide maneuver units with responsive fire support and features digital fire control systems for improved targeting and coordination in dynamic combat environments.

The Tigon platform originates from the 6x6 variant developed jointly by Hanwha Defense Systems and AVP Engineering to meet the requirements of the Malaysian Army. (Picture source: Hanwha Aerospace)

First introduced in 2018, the Tigon 6x6 represents an upgrade over Hanwha’s earlier Black Fox 6x6, incorporating a more powerful 525-horsepower engine and improved protection rated at STANAG 4569 Level 3. It accommodates various weapon configurations, including 12.7 mm or 30 mm RCWS and 90 mm cannons. Its amphibious design, road and off-road capabilities, and modular architecture enable a wide range of mission-specific adaptations, from sensors to armor enhancements.

Operational trials in the UAE reportedly ranked the Tigon 6x6 as the top-performing vehicle among 12 contenders, completing all required tests under high-temperature and desert conditions. The TAipers ATGM system, originally developed for helicopters, was adapted for ground vehicle deployment using a platform kit first shown at MSPO 2022 in Poland. TAipers is guided via a fiber-optic cable and designed for deployment from a range of platforms, from light tactical to heavily armored vehicles. The missile is launched from a pod that is elevated before firing. Comparable systems include the Israeli Spike and Turkish UMTAS missiles, with TAipers developed to serve both land and air deployment scenarios.

Hanwha continues to promote the Tigon family on the export market, maintaining a cooperation agreement with AVP Engineering in Malaysia that covers technology transfer, local production, and logistics support. The Tigon platform’s modularity, scalable protection, and compatibility with a wide range of weapon systems position it as a flexible solution within the global wheeled armored vehicle market. Designed to support amphibious operations, battlefield command systems, and extended-range indirect fire capabilities, the Tigon adapts to a variety of terrain and mission profiles.