Arion-SMET Unmanned Ground Vehicle, a Solution for Modern Military Operations, Presented at KADEX 2024.

At the KADEX 2024 exhibition in South Korea, the Arion-SMET unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) was unveiled, drawing attention for its multi-purpose capabilities and potential to transform military operations. Designed to enhance the survivability and combat effectiveness of infantry units, the Arion-SMET stands out for its ability to perform various tasks such as combat equipment transport, medical evacuation support, surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat missions. This UGV, which combines advanced technology and innovation, positions itself as a key player in modernizing ground forces worldwide.
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The Arion-SMET's operational capabilities were validated through pilot military tests conducted in 2019 and 2021, demonstrating its effectiveness in real-world scenarios (Picture source: Army Recognition)

One of the noteworthy features of the Arion-SMET is its improved surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, achieved through the integration of an AI-based automatic detection function. This system alerts the operator when individuals or vehicles are identified, providing enhanced responsiveness on the battlefield. Furthermore, the Arion-SMET boasts a high localization rate of over 98% for critical components such as the Remote-Controlled Weapon System (RCWS), ensuring the effective integration of this technology into military contexts.

The Arion-SMET's operational capabilities were validated through pilot military tests conducted in 2019 and 2021, demonstrating its effectiveness in real-world scenarios. Following these successful trials, the vehicle was selected for the U.S. Department of Defense's Foreign Comparative Test (FCT) program in 2022, making it the first domestically produced UGV to participate in a performance demonstration held in Hawaii. This milestone reinforced the vehicle's credibility on the international stage.

In January 2024, the Arion-SMET achieved another major milestone by successfully completing a week-long field test conducted by the U.S. Marine Corps and Army under the FCT program. These tests, held at the Marine Corps Training Area Bellows in Hawaii, evaluated the vehicle's performance on challenging terrain, including compact sand beaches, bumpy roads, and clay surfaces. The trials focused on assessing the vehicle's capabilities in heavy equipment transport, remote-controlled driving, waypoint navigation, and soldier-following functions, further establishing its potential as a competitive candidate in the global UGV market. The participation of the Arion-SMET in this program marked the first time a South Korean UGV had been involved, reflecting the growing interest of U.S. armed forces in technologies developed by allied nations.

The manufacturer is currently developing an upgraded version, the SMET-II, based on the feedback from these tests. This new model promises to bring additional improvements and meet the demands of modern armies. With a combat weight of 2,000 kg, a maximum speed of 40 km/h, and a range of over 100 km, the Arion-SMET can carry a payload exceeding 500 kg, addressing various operational needs of military forces.

The company behind the Arion-SMET is not limiting its ambitions to the domestic market and is actively promoting this vehicle in international defense markets. Its continued development and participation in events like KADEX 2024 demonstrate its intent to establish itself as a key player in the UGV sector. Beyond its technical capabilities, the proliferation of the Arion-SMET could represent a significant step in the broader adoption of autonomous vehicles by armed forces, both in Asia and globally.