[Translation result[Korea Financial News reporter Kim Jae-hoon] ![\"\ub8e8\ubc14\ub2c8\uc544\uc5d0\uc11c\"](\"https:\/\/cfnimage.commutil.kr\/phpwas\/restmb_allidxmake.php?pp=002&idx=5&simg=202605281600040615907492587736124111243152.jpg&nmt=18\")
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\u2011suited for modern combat environments that demand a layered force mix \u2014 not only combat vehicles like self\u2011propelled guns but also transport, light tactical, and logistics trucks.<\/p>\n
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\u2011Benz also eyeing defense work, Kia is looking to capture early market share.<\/p>\n
Kia unveils Tasman command vehicle in Eastern Europe for the first time<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Now in its 10th year, BSDA is a leading defense trade show for Eastern Europe and the Black Sea region. This year\u2019s event drew 650 companies from 36 countries displaying advanced defense and aerospace systems.<\/p>\n Kia\u2019s Tasman command vehicle preserves the pickup\u2019s off\u2011road capability and customer safety and convenience features, while adding mission\u2011critical equipment such as radios and lighting control systems to reduce exposure to enemy observation. The upgrades boost the vehicle\u2019s operational capability.<\/p>\n The vehicle was adopted as the Republic of Korea Armed Forces\u2019 standard command vehicle last year and has already been fielded. Experts describe it as a next\u2011generation military vehicle that combines advanced systems, durability, and driver\u2011centric design.<\/p>\n Kia also displayed models already in service, including the two\u2011seat KLTV (Kia Light Tactical Vehicle) cargo variant, the next\u2011generation KMTV (Kia Medium Tactical Vehicle), and the PLS (Palletized Load System) heavy\u2011lift vehicle for rapid loading, transport, and unloading of large cargo. Kia already exports small tactical vehicles to roughly 30 countries across Latin America and elsewhere. Its BSDA appearance signals a step\u2011up in efforts to broaden export markets this year. Eastern Europe, in particular, has been increasing defense spending under NATO since the Russia\u2011Ukraine war.<\/p>\n Kia secured a foothold in Eastern Europe with a KLTV export to Poland in 2023. The deal highlighted Kia\u2019s competitive pricing, technical competence, mass\u2011production capacity, and reliable delivery schedule \u2014 advantages compared with U.S., U.K., and German small tactical vehicle suppliers.<\/p>\n Modern warfare is driving demand for a diverse, three\u2011dimensional force mix: in addition to artillery and missiles, armies need transport trucks, light tactical vehicles, logistics platforms, drones, and specialized mission vehicles.<\/p>\n 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\u2011based conversions.<\/p>\n Kia\u2019s 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. Defense has become an increasingly attractive area for global automakers. Geopolitical tensions have accelerated military spending, and automakers\u2019 mass\u2011production capabilities are drawing interest for defense contracts. Militaries are also moving toward software\u2011defined systems and future mobility platforms.<\/p>\n Mercedes\u2011Benz CEO Ola K\u00e4llenius recently told international media that his company could enter defense if the business case is compelling. Mercedes already participates indirectly through Mercedes\u2011Benz Special Trucks under Daimler Truck, spun off in 2021.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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).<\/p>\n Hyundai Motor Group is also reviewing how to consolidate defense activities across affiliates such as Hyundai Rotem and Hyundai WIA to align the group\u2019s capabilities.<\/p>\n Within Hyundai Motor Group, Kia has the longest history in defense. Kia was designated a defense contractor in 1973 \u2014 earlier than Hyundai WIA (est. 1976) and Hyundai Rotem (1977).<\/p>\n Kia established South Korea\u2019s first research center dedicated to special vehicles in 1985. It remains the only automaker in the country that combines tactical vehicle operational know\u2011how with full\u2011scale production systems.<\/p>\n A Kia spokesperson said, \u201cWe 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.\u201d{vi54}<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Hyundai Motor Group is strengthening its defense business, with Kia aiming to expand exports using the new ‘Tasmann’ pickup truck.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/cdn-union.tenbizt.com\/contents\/crawler-dev\/thumbnail\/2026\/05\/CP-2022-0040\/thumb-45c50a2b-f22d-4585-b883-e4f6dedcdf60.jpg","footnotes":""},"categories":[278104],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-262460","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-military"],"yoast_head":"\n
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Kia targets Eastern European orders with Tasman\u2019s versatility<\/span><\/p>\n
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Automakers turn to defense\u2026\u201cKia has 50 years of defense know\u2011how\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n