Kia has introduced a military variant of its first pickup truck, the Tasman, at IDEX 2025, the largest defense exhibition in the Middle East and Africa.
The Tasman military model was showcased at IDEX 2025, which opened on February 17 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The vehicle features a special desert camouflage paint scheme and modifications tailored for Middle Eastern and African markets, including a redesigned front bumper. Kia aims to leverage its expertise in special-purpose vehicle development to offer customized variants based on client needs.
In addition to the Tasman, Kia unveiled the Kia Medium Tactical Vehicle (KMTV) with a hooded bare chassis. The KMTV is designed to replace the existing 2.5-ton and 5-ton military standard vehicles in the South Korean armed forces. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in June. The new model includes features such as a rear-view camera and a navigation system to enhance personnel and cargo transport safety.
The KMTV can ford water up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) deep, climb 60% gradients, and traverse 40% side slopes. It can accommodate up to 25 personnel. The hooded bare chassis configuration, consisting of only the frame and engine, allows for versatile customization to meet various operational needs. The cab-behind-engine design enhances driver protection against frontal threats.
Kia also showcased the two-seat cargo version of its Kia Light Tactical Vehicle (KLTV). This vehicle can navigate through 760 mm (2.5 feet) of water, tackle 60% gradients, and handle 40% side slopes. It is designed to start in temperatures as low as -32°C (-25.6°F) and features electromagnetic shielding to ensure reliable operations in diverse environments.
