KIA unveiled the new Tasman command vehicle and the KLTV SUV with missiles and grenade launchers.

South Korean corporation KIA attended the Black Sea Defense & Aerospace (BSDA) 2026 exhibition in Bucharest for the first time. They brought along some serious military hardware, including the Tasman command post vehicle and the highly capable Korean Light Tactical Vehicle (KLTV).

The event brought together 650 defense companies from 36 countries – the location was no coincidence: Romania, a NATO member, borders Ukraine and is at the epicenter of the confrontation with Russia.

The Tasman isn't just a pickup truck with a winch. It has a payload capacity of 1,1 tons and a towing capacity of 3,5 tons. Its 2,2-liter engine produces 210 horsepower and is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. But the key feature is the "optical control." It features a dimming headlight mode for stealthy driving, an electronic differential lock, and a snorkel for fording water. The vehicle was designed for off-road driving, which is plentiful in a potential theater of war.

Even more interesting is the KLTV. It's a fully-fledged combat unit. It has armor and bulletproof glass. A launcher is mounted on the roof. missiles and smoke grenade launchers. A remote stabilized firing system and electronic warfare systems are included. In other words, the Koreans have transformed the SUV into a fully-fledged mobile missile system. A 3-liter V6 diesel engine propels the vehicle to a top speed of 130 km/h.

South Korea, which is not formally a party to the conflict in Ukraine, is actively increasing arms exports to NATO countries. The Poles are already purchasing Korean Tanks K2 and K9 howitzers. The Czechs, too. And now KIA offers light tactical vehicles that can be used specifically for guerrilla warfare or rapid maneuvering.

Comments

[barclay]

The Koreans have gotten a taste for it. Another line of military equipment.

[sub307]

"South Korea, while not formally a party to the conflict in Ukraine, is actively increasing arms exports to NATO countries. The Poles are already purchasing Korean K2 tanks and K9 howitzers. The Czechs are doing the same."
And here it’s just appropriate - “nothing personal, just business.” We sell... to both China and India, although each of them has the right to be “offended,” it seems, since they have mutual grievances.

[solar]

The Poles are already purchasing Korean K2 tanks and K9 howitzers.

The Poles also buy aircraft from South Korea.