Kia Light Tactical Vehicle

   The Light Tactical Vehicle was developed by Kia Motors to meet a South Korean MoD requirement. It is also referred as the KM1. Development was funded by the South Korean MoD. It broadly similar to the US HMMWV. Also the Kia Light Tactical Vehicle resembles IVECO LMV and Navistar Saratoga. In 2017 South Korean military was testing this next-generation vehicle as a possible replacement for its Kia KM420 and KM450 series vehicles. The Kia LTV is being proposed for export customers. These vehicles have been exported to Philippines.

   A baseline vehicle accommodates driver and three soldiers. It can be fitted with various roof-mounted weapons, such as machine guns or anti-tank missile launchers.

   A baseline chassis of the Kia LTV can be developed into various models to suit mission requirements. This vehicle is available with two wheelbase versions - standard and long. A stretched version is used to carry more troops and specialized equipment. The stretch version can carry up to 8 troops.

   Various versions of the Kia Light Tactical Vehicle have already been developed, including command vehicle, reconnaissance vehicle, artillery observation vehicle, maintenance vehicle, communications equipment vehicle and other. This multi-purpose vehicle can be also configured to suit other roles.

   Both armored and unarmored versions of this vehicle are available. An armored version can be recognized by a two-piece windscreen, made of ballistic glass. Armored Kia LTV provides protection against small arms fire and artillery shell splinters. Vehicle floor also has some level of protection against blasts. However it is likely that protection is limited to grenade blasts.

   The Kia LTV uses a number of commercially available automotive components. Vehicle is powered by a turbocharged diesel engine, developing 225 hp. It complies with EURO 5 emission requirements. Engine is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Vehicle has an electronically controlled four-wheel drive system. Run-flat tyres and self-recovery winch are optional.