[Translation result[Korea Financial News reporter Kim Jae-hoon] 
Hyundai Motor Group is deepening its push into the defense sector, and Kia is aiming to grow exports by marketing its traditional pickup, the Tasman. Analysts say the Tasman is well‑suited for modern combat environments that demand a layered force mix — not only combat vehicles like self‑propelled guns but also transport, light tactical, and logistics trucks.
Kia intends to leverage its small tactical vehicle expertise, rapid conversion capability, and fast delivery times to expand from the Middle East and Latin America into Eastern Europe. With European OEMs such as Mercedes‑Benz also eyeing defense work, Kia is looking to capture early market share.
Kia unveils Tasman command vehicle in Eastern Europe for the first time
This month, Kia made its debut at BSDA (Black Sea Defense, Aerospace & Security) 2026 in Bucharest, Romania, showcasing the Tasman military command vehicle in Europe for the first time.
Now in its 10th year, BSDA is a leading defense trade show for Eastern Europe and the Black Sea region. This year’s event drew 650 companies from 36 countries displaying advanced defense and aerospace systems.
Kia’s Tasman command vehicle preserves the pickup’s off‑road capability and customer safety and convenience features, while adding mission‑critical equipment such as radios and lighting control systems to reduce exposure to enemy observation. The upgrades boost the vehicle’s operational capability.
The vehicle was adopted as the Republic of Korea Armed Forces’ standard command vehicle last year and has already been fielded. Experts describe it as a next‑generation military vehicle that combines advanced systems, durability, and driver‑centric design.
Kia also displayed models already in service, including the two‑seat KLTV (Kia Light Tactical Vehicle) cargo variant, the next‑generation KMTV (Kia Medium Tactical Vehicle), and the PLS (Palletized Load System) heavy‑lift vehicle for rapid loading, transport, and unloading of large cargo.
Kia targets Eastern European orders with Tasman’s versatility
Kia already exports small tactical vehicles to roughly 30 countries across Latin America and elsewhere. Its BSDA appearance signals a step‑up in efforts to broaden export markets this year. Eastern Europe, in particular, has been increasing defense spending under NATO since the Russia‑Ukraine war.
Kia secured a foothold in Eastern Europe with a KLTV export to Poland in 2023. The deal highlighted Kia’s competitive pricing, technical competence, mass‑production capacity, and reliable delivery schedule — advantages compared with U.S., U.K., and German small tactical vehicle suppliers.
Modern warfare is driving demand for a diverse, three‑dimensional force mix: in addition to artillery and missiles, armies need transport trucks, light tactical vehicles, logistics platforms, drones, and specialized mission vehicles.
Because the Tasman is built on a pickup platform, it offers the adaptability required for such roles. U.S. firms like GM already supply militaries with pickup‑based conversions.
Kia’s Tasman command variant is fitted with a protective roll frame (bull bar), a snorkel for water fording, and a tactical rack in the bed to improve occupant protection and wading capability. The platform can be converted into command, cargo, tanker, or refrigerated units depending on mission requirements.
Automakers turn to defense…“Kia has 50 years of defense know‑how”
Defense has become an increasingly attractive area for global automakers. Geopolitical tensions have accelerated military spending, and automakers’ mass‑production capabilities are drawing interest for defense contracts. Militaries are also moving toward software‑defined systems and future mobility platforms.
Mercedes‑Benz CEO Ola Källenius recently told international media that his company could enter defense if the business case is compelling. Mercedes already participates indirectly through Mercedes‑Benz Special Trucks under Daimler Truck, spun off in 2021.
Toyota, GM, Jaguar Land Rover, and other global OEMs are pursuing military vehicle production and defense contracts. Renault is developing military drones with French defense firm Thales Gaiyar.
In South Korea, Hyundai Motor Group and the Defense Ministry are collaborating on a range of tactical vehicles and future mobility systems, including robots, drones, and UAM (urban air mobility).
Hyundai Motor Group is also reviewing how to consolidate defense activities across affiliates such as Hyundai Rotem and Hyundai WIA to align the group’s capabilities.
Within Hyundai Motor Group, Kia has the longest history in defense. Kia was designated a defense contractor in 1973 — earlier than Hyundai WIA (est. 1976) and Hyundai Rotem (1977).
Kia established South Korea’s first research center dedicated to special vehicles in 1985. It remains the only automaker in the country that combines tactical vehicle operational know‑how with full‑scale production systems.
A Kia spokesperson said, “We already hold more than 50 years of military vehicle production and operational experience. We will continue to present a vision for military mobility that ensures safe movement for armed forces.”{vi54}
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