South Korean company Kia Motors showcases KLTV Light Tactical Vehicle at WDS 2024.

At the ongoing World Defense Show 2024 in Saudi Arabia, South Korean company Kia Motors is showcasing the Kia Light Tactical Vehicle (KLTV). First revealed to the public at the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) in 2015 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, it commenced serial production in 2016. Also known as KM1, this vehicle is designed to meet the requirements of the South Korean Armed Forces but is also available for export.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The Kia Light Tactical Vehicle presented by Kia Motors at WDS 2024 (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The KLTV features a third-generation design with a modular base chassis that can be configured for various roles such as a multi-purpose vehicle (MPV), armored reconnaissance vehicle (ARV), command vehicle, communications equipment vehicle, and mobile workshop. Its robust design ensures high mobility and survivability, with two wheelbase versions available: standard and extended. The standard version can transport four individuals, while the long wheelbase variant can carry up to eight troops along with specialized equipment.

This light tactical vehicle is powered by a 225hp turbocharged diesel engine and is equipped with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Designed for a crew of one plus three, the standard wheelbase variant has a gross vehicle weight of 5.7 tons, while the long wheelbase variant can weigh up to 7 tons. It has a maximum speed of 130 km/h and a range of 600 km.

The KLTV offers impressive defensive capabilities with its bullet-resistant body made from composite materials, metal sheets, and armored glass. It can be fitted with roof-mounted weapons such as machine guns or automatic grenade launchers, and features firing ports on the hull for individual weapons. For enhanced protection, the floor is designed to withstand blasts, and the vehicle is coated with a matte finish to prevent corrosion and camouflage it from hostile forces.

Mobility is a key feature of the KLTV, with all-wheel drive, independent suspension, and an anti-lock braking system (ABS) ensuring stability and off-road performance. It also includes a central tire inflation system (CTIS) that allows for tire pressure adjustments from inside the cabin.

The KLTV entered service with the Republic of Korea Army in 2016 and has since been acquired by several other nations, including Mali, Nigeria, the Philippines, Turkmenistan, and most recently Chile, which received the troop transport version KLTV181 in December 2022.

The KLTV family includes variants such as the KLTV141 command version, KLTV181 armored personnel carrier, KLTV182 armored reconnaissance vehicle, KLTV280 multipurpose vehicle, KLTV204 workshop vehicle, KLTV240 chassis for additional superstructure modules, and specialized vehicles equipped with shelters, machine guns or missiles, NBC reconnaissance, and cargo transportation.

The KLTV181 version, specifically designed for troop transport, measures 4.90m in length, 2.19m in width, and 2.35m in height, with a ground clearance of 42cm and a fording depth of 76cm. It has an approach angle of 62°, a departure angle of 48°, and a total weight of 5,700 kilograms with a payload capacity of one ton. The vehicle is fitted with modern features such as air conditioning, ABS brakes, a rearview camera, and Stanag 4569 level armor protection against small arms fire and artillery fragments.

Defense News February 2024