Kia showcased its first military model of the Tasman pickup truck at the largest defense exhibition in the Middle East and Africa, IDEX (International Defense Exhibition & Conference) 2025, which opened on the 17th. This IDEX, held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), features participation from 1,350 companies across 65 countries worldwide.
The Tasman that Kia presented on this day is a dedicated exhibition model for IDEX 2025. It features additional desert-colored paint and reflects the preferences of customers in the Middle East and Africa, including elements like a front bumper. Kia plans to launch customized derivative products of the Tasman based on its technical capabilities in special-purpose vehicle development.
Kia also unveiled the hooded bare chassis of the Kia Medium Tactical Vehicle (KMTV). The KMTV is set to replace the existing 2.5-ton and 5-ton military standard vehicles and will be supplied to the South Korean military starting in June this year. It is equipped with various convenience features, such as a rear camera and navigation, enabling safer transport of troops and supplies.
Additionally, it is equipped with capabilities like ▲1-meter deep river crossing ▲60% longitudinal slope (ascend and descend slopes through forward and reverse) and 40% lateral slope (driving while tilted sideways) ▲transport capacity for up to 25 people, demonstrating safe transport capability even in challenging driving environments.
The showcased hooded bare chassis of the medium tactical vehicle consists only of a frame and engine, allowing it to be manufactured in various forms according to specific usage purposes. Notably, the driver's seat is located behind the engine, providing enhanced protection for the driver from threats in front of the vehicle.
Additionally, the 2-seat cargo version of the Kia Light Tactical Vehicle (KLTV) showcased by Kia assists in safe military movement in various environments based on capabilities such as ▲760mm deep river crossing ▲60% longitudinal slope and 40% lateral slope driving ▲starting capability at -32 degrees Celsius ▲electromagnetic shielding.
A Kia official said, “It is significant to showcase Kia's diverse special vehicles from medium trucks to pickups,” adding, “In the future, we will continue to present a vision of the future of military mobility through the development of military-customized special vehicles for safe movement.”