Hyundai WIA said on the 9th that it will take part in the World Defense Show (WDS 2026) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on the 8th local time. WDS is the largest defense exhibition in the Middle East, and this is the first time Hyundai WIA has set up a standalone booth.
Hyundai WIA showcased vehicle-mounted firepower systems in real form at the exhibition. A prime example is the "lightweight 105 mm self-propelled howitzer," which mounts an existing 105 mm howitzer on a small tactical vehicle. It was developed through the rapid demonstration program of the Defense Rapid Acquisition Technology Agency. It is lighter than the South Korean military's wheeled self-propelled howitzer, offering superior mobility, and has a maximum range of 18 km.
It also displayed a vehicle-mounted 81 mm mortar as a mock-up. This firepower system significantly boosts mobility by mounting the 81 mm mortar, the main support weapon of an infantry battalion, on a small tactical vehicle. Hyundai WIA applied an automatic laying method to this product, slashing the laying time from five minutes to 10 seconds, and reduced the crew from five to three.
Hyundai WIA also unveiled the remote-controlled weapon station (RCWS), a next-generation weapons system. The RCWS allows a gunner to monitor the battlefield via indoor displays and fire remotely. At this show, Hyundai WIA displayed a real "small RCWS" fitted with the widely used 7.62 mm machine gun. It also showcased a mock-up of a "medium RCWS" that can mount a 12.7 mm machine gun and a 40 mm high-velocity automatic grenade launcher.
Hyundai WIA also exhibited the "vehicle-mounted anti-drone integrated defense system (ADS)," a next-generation weapons system based on a tactical vehicle. This weapons system detects and identifies hostile drones through radar and optical devices and engages them with fire.
Hyundai WIA plans to use this exhibition to expand exports of artillery systems to Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East. A Hyundai WIA official said, "We will continue to showcase Hyundai WIA's defense technology in various regions, including the Middle East, and step up full-fledged bidding activities in overseas markets."