Hyundai Rotem from South Korea Plans to Establish N-WAV 8x8 Armored Vehicle Plant in Poland.

Citing information published on Twitter on November 16, 2023, Hyundai Rotem, a South Korean defense company, has announced plans to establish a manufacturing facility in Poland to produce the N-WAV (Next generation Wheeled Armored Vehicle), an advanced 8×8 wheeled armored vehicle. The announcement, made on Twitter follows the vehicle's unveiling at the ADEX 2023 Aerospace and Defense Exhibition in Seoul, South Korea, in October 2023.
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The Hyundai Rotem N-WAV 8x8 armored vehicle was unveiled at ADEX 2023, the Aerospace and Defense Exhibition in Seoul, South Korea. (Picture source Army Recognition Group)

The N-WAV represents a new era in wheeled combat vehicles, offering versatility in its configuration to suit various mission requirements. Its design adheres to modern standards for wheeled armored vehicles, featuring a front-positioned engine and driver, a central turret, and a rear troop compartment. The vehicle measures 9.1 meters in length, 3.1 meters in width, and has a hull height of 2.8 meters, which extends to 3.5 meters with the turret. It weighs approximately 35 tons.

At ADEX 2023, the N-WAV was showcased in an Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) configuration. This version is equipped with a remotely operated weapon station armed with a Northrop Grumman Mk44 Bushmaster II 30 mm automatic cannon. Additionally, it features a coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun, a 12.7 mm weapon on a remotely controlled station atop the turret, and a twin launcher for anti-tank missiles on the turret's right side.

The N-WAV can be also configured as a fire support variant, equipped with a 120mm cannon and an automatic loading system, manned by a crew of three. The IFV version accommodates a crew of three plus eight dismounts, while the Armored Personnel Carrier (APC) variant includes additional seating for two more infantrymen.

In terms of protection, the N-WAV boasts a welded steel hull with add-on armor for future upgrades. It also features an active protection system, evident from the launchers at the rear of the turret. The vehicle is powered by a 700 hp Diesel engine, connected to an automatic transmission with seven forward and one reverse gear. It includes independent double wishbone-type suspensions with spring coils and dampers. Notably, the vehicle is amphibious, capable of reaching speeds of 8 km/h in water, facilitated by rear-mounted propellers and supported by a front-mounted trimvane and a telescopic air intake for amphibious operations.

Hyundai Rotem's decision to set up a production plant in Poland marks a significant expansion of its global footprint and a notable advancement in the field of military vehicle manufacturing.

Defense News November 2023