South Korea’s Kia Corporation headed to the Black Sea Defense & Aerospace (BSDA) 2026 expo for the first time with a lineup of next-gen military vehicles designed for battlefield command, mobility, and combat support.
The exhibition took place in Bucharest, Romania, where roughly 650 defense and aerospace companies from 36 nations presented advanced military technologies.
Tasman: Military Command Vehicle
One of the featured platforms was the Tasman, a military command vehicle with a payload capacity of 1.1 tons and a towing capacity of 3.5 tons.
Powered by a 2,200-cubic-centimeter engine, the vehicle delivers a maximum output of 210 horsepower through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Tasman also incorporates blackout control, allowing operators to switch between “Light On” and “Light Off” modes to reduce visibility to enemy forces during operations.
A built-in winch supports self-recovery and obstacle clearance in off-road environments, while an onboard electric power supply supports tactical systems such as radios and mission equipment.
The vehicle’s electronic locking differential improves traction by distributing power across the wheels in demanding terrain conditions.
For water-crossing operations, the Tasman is equipped with a snorkel system featuring an elevated air intake designed to prevent engine flooding during deep wading.
KLTV: Korean Light Tactical Vehicle
Joining the Tasman was the KLTV, or Korean Light Tactical Vehicle, equipped with a bulletproof windshield, reinforced front protection bar, and centralized instrument panel.
The vehicle runs on a 2,959-cubic-centimeter V6 diesel engine and can reach speeds of up to 130 kilometers per hour (81 miles per hour).
KLTV is armed with a missile launcher capable of firing medium-range infantry missiles, alongside a smoke grenade launcher for rapid battlefield obscuration.
It also integrates a remote weapon control system for stabilized remote firing and includes electromagnetic interference capabilities intended for countermeasure operations in contested environments.
Built for all-weather operations, the KLTV can ford water obstacles up to 76 centimeters (2.49 feet) deep and operate in temperatures ranging from 43 degrees Celsius (109 degrees Fahrenheit) to -32 degrees Celsius (-25.6 degrees Fahrenheit).
