HYUNDAI WIA announced that the company is going to be participating in the most significant defense exhibition in Latin America.

On Nov. 11, HYUNDAI WIA introduced advanced weapon systems, including a new mortar, at the FIDAE(Feria International del Aire y del Espacio) held at Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport in Santiago, the capital of Chile. The flagship product that HYUNDAI WIA mainly highlighted at the exhibition was the "Mobile Artillery System.” FIDAE is the largest defense industry exhibition in Latin America and will be held from Sept. 9 to 14 (local time).

At the exhibition, HYUNDAI WIA showcased a mock-up model of an artillery with significantly improved mobility. Among the exhibited products, the '105mm Self-propelled Howitzer' was the most representative as it can be mounted on various vehicles through remarkable lightweight technology. This upgraded weapon system was developed by the rapid research and development project with the Defense Rapid Acquisition Technology Research Institutes, and it has characteristics of increased firing range and higher mobility with lighter weight compared to the existing self-propelled artillery. In addition, the number of operators is minimized to four to command the battery and three to operate the gun.

In addition, HYUNDAI WIA showcased a mock-up of a vehicle-mounted type of 81mm Mortar. This is the most frequently used weapon system in infantry forces and is being developed to be mounted on a small tactical vehicle for quick deployment on the battlefield. In situations where vehicles are not available, they can also be detached and used as conventional mortar. HYUNDAI WIA plans to complete the development of the 81mm Mortar this year. The company also showcased its K2 tank, K9 Self-propelled Howitzer, Naval Gun, and Remote Control Weapon System (RCWS) through exhibits and videos.

Commencing with this exhibition, the company aims to broaden its export reach of the Gun System to Chile. Notably, the 'Defense Cooperation Agreement' between the Korean and Chilean governments is anticipated to facilitate this endeavor significantly. This agreement delineates the scope of cooperation in research and development within the defense sector. Leveraging its past export success in Chile with the 105 Towed Artillery, HYUNDAI WIA plans to further expand its business in the region.

"It was quite remarkable to unveil our HYUNDAI WIA's technology for the first time at FIDAE, the largest defense exhibition in South America," "As the strategic partnership between Korea and Chile will persist in the future, we are committed to maximizing our market presence in Chile" said an official from HYUNDAI WIA.