Hanwha Aerospace reveals Tigon 8x8 tank destroyer featuring TAipers ATGM at KADEX 2024.

At KADEX 2024, Hanwha Aerospace introduced the Tigon 8x8, a multi-purpose combat vehicle developed using the company’s own technology. This new 8x8 configuration builds on the earlier Tigon 6x6 wheeled armored vehicle, which has achieved export success in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The Tigon 6x6 has been modified into an 8x8 variant to enhance mobility, firepower, and survivability. Equipped with an engine exceeding 700 horsepower, the Tigon 8x8 is designed to maintain its performance even in challenging environments, including desert conditions.
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At the KADEX 2024 exhibition, the Tigon 8x8 was presented as a tank destroyer, equipped with the TAipers ATGM, also known as Cheongeom. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The vehicle is capable of carrying various weapon systems, such as a 12.7mm Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS), a 105mm turret, and Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) launchers. It offers ballistic protection at STANAG Level 4 and mine protection at STANAG Level 3 or higher. This ensures a degree of protection for the crew in the event of direct fire or mine threats. At the event, the Tigon 8x8 was presented as a tank destroyer, equipped with the TAipers ATGM, also known as Cheongeom. The vehicle’s role is to engage enemy tanks from long distances, using the ATGM system to target key assets before any close combat occurs.

The TAipers ATGM has a range of 8 kilometers, reaches a speed of 200 meters per second, and can penetrate up to 1,000 millimeters of rolled homogeneous steel. The Tigon 8x8 has been selected for the 24-1 Export Weapon System Modification and Development Project, under the leadership of the Korea Research Institute for Defense Technology Planning and Advancement (KRIT). In September 2024, Hanwha signed a contract related to this project. Although details of specific buyers remain confidential, the Tigon 8x8 has already seen exports to the Middle East and Southeast Asian regions.

The Tigon series originated with the 6x6 model, which was first introduced in April 2018 at the Defense Services Asia (DSA) exhibition in Kuala Lumpur. The Tigon 6x6 was designed for operations in the Middle East and Asia, providing enhanced performance compared to Hanwha’s earlier Black Fox 6x6 armored vehicle. Powered by a 525-horsepower engine, the 6x6 model can reach speeds exceeding 110 km/h and is equipped with STANAG Level 3 protection against direct fire, mines, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The Tigon 6x6 also features amphibious capabilities, using water-jet propulsion to achieve speeds of 8.5 km/h in water.

The Tigon series originated with the 6x6 model, which was first introduced in April 2018 at the Defense Services Asia (DSA) exhibition in Kuala Lumpur. (Picture source: Hanwha Aerospace)

The Tigon 6x6 can be fitted with a range of armaments, including a 12.7mm or 30mm RCWS and a 90mm cannon. The vehicle is versatile and can serve as an armored personnel carrier, accommodating up to 11 individuals, including a driver, commander, and gunner. It uses a modular system, allowing it to adapt to various operational requirements and environments, including road and off-road terrains.

In 2022, Hanwha showcased a land platform integration kit for the TAipers ATGM at the MSPO exhibition in Kielce, Poland. The missile was initially developed for helicopters but has been adapted for land vehicle deployment. The TAipers system can be mounted on a wide range of platforms, including light tactical and heavily armored vehicles. It is stored in a pod and can be elevated for launch when a target is identified. The missile system’s versatility in both air and ground roles reflects current trends in the adaptation of air-to-ground munitions for multi-role capabilities.

The TAipers missile system is comparable to other systems in the market, such as the Israeli Spike and Turkish UMTAS missiles. Its range and fiber-optic guidance have made it suitable for a variety of roles, both ground-launched and air-launched, without major modifications. Hanwha’s adaptation of the TAipers system highlights the growing demand for flexible missile systems across different platforms.

Hanwha’s broader export efforts include a partnership with Malaysia’s AVP Engineering, where the Tigon 6x6 was first showcased at the DSA 2018 exhibition. AVP supplies firefighting vehicles and military trucks to the Malaysian government and has collaborated with Hanwha on technology transfers, local manufacturing, and logistics support. After the exhibition, the Malaysian Army was expected to conduct performance trials of the Tigon 6x6, which may open further export opportunities in the region.

Initially developed for helicopters but has been adapted for land vehicle deployment, the TAipers system can be mounted on a wide range of platforms, including light tactical and heavily armored vehicles. (Picture source: Army Recognition)