Kia is participating in the ‘IDEX 2023’ military exhibition held from February 20th to 24th (local time) at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center in the UAE.
This year’s IDEX military exhibition marks the 16th edition and is the largest international defense industry exhibition in the Middle East and Africa, held biennially since 1993. Kia has been participating since 2015.
This year, Kia will unveil its ‘Hydrogen ATV (Hydrogen-powered tactical vehicle) concept car’ for the first time overseas, along with displays of the ‘Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle’ and ‘Bare Chassis’, which are targeted at the key market of the Middle East.
The ‘Hydrogen ATV concept car’ is an upgraded vehicle that utilizes hydrogen power as opposed to traditional engine-driven ATV concept cars, enabling quieter operations for safer missions and proactive responses to environmental policies, securing dominance in future battlefield environments.
The ‘Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle’ features advanced safety specifications such as reinforced bullet-resistant glass and blast pressure-relief seats, enhancing not only mobility but also the survival rate of occupants.
The ‘Bare Chassis’ is equipped only with the essential framework and powertrain, providing the scalability to develop various types of equipment, including armored vehicles. It is expected to attract significant interest from customers in the Middle Eastern market, where the development of various mobility equipment based on the bare chassis is actively being pursued.
In addition, Kia’s compact tactical vehicles are equipped with a 225 horsepower engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission, providing top-level performance in its class, and have been recognized as a representative means of transportation for the Republic of Korea Armed Forces since production began in 2016.
A Kia representative stated, “At IDEX 2023, we showcased future-oriented special vehicles that can protect both the occupants and the environment, including the Hydrogen ATV concept car and compact tactical vehicles. We will continue to develop special vehicles that apply various future technologies to assist safe and convenient military mobility.”
Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr