HYUNDAI WIA showcased next-generation weapon systems at an international defense exhibition.

On October 2nd, HYUNDAI WIA announced the showcase of land weapon systems, including the Lightweight 105mm Self-propelled Howitzer and Mobile-type 81mm Mortar, at ‘The Korea Army International Defense Industry Exhibition (KADEX) 2024’, which kicked off at Gyeryongdae, Chungcheongnam-do. KADEX 2024 is the largest defense exhibition for ground forces in Korea, held from the 2nd to the 6th. HYUNDAI WIA participated in KADEX 2024 with KIA and HYUNDAI ROTEM as part of Hyundai Motor Group.

At the exhibition, HYUNDAI WIA introduced the Lightweight 105mm Self-propelled Howitzer for the first time. This upgraded version is based on the KH178, a 105 mm howitzer that previously required towing by a 2.5-ton truck. This modernized version has been significantly reduced in weight and fitted with an automatic fire control system, allowing it to be mounted directly on a small tactical vehicle, which eliminates the need for a separate towing vehicle.  This enables the self-propelled howitzer to be quickly deployed, even in narrow or rough terrain. Additionally, it facilitates air transportation using a tandem-rotor helicopter.

HYUNDAI WIA also reduced the crew size from 6 to 4 for the Lightweight 105mm Self-propelled Howitzer while maintaining a similar maximum firing range and firing rate to the existing 105mm howitzer, which is 14.7km and 10 rounds per minute, respectively. The product, codeveloped with the Defense Acquisition Technology Research Institute, has successfully completed the first system integration test in July and is scheduled to be deployed in December after the military operational tests.  

HYUNDAI WIA presented mobile type 81mm mortar using 81mm mortar-II, which is currently in full-scale operation. The 81mm mortar is the most widely used weapon system in ground combat environments worldwide. HYUNDAI WIA has also mounted this mortar on a small tactical vehicle for faster deployment to the battlefield. The company successfully completed both environmental and firing tests in July, using a prototype developed as part of the Defense Technology Advancement Institute’s weapon system modification development support project.

HYUNDAI WIA focused on improving operational convenience when developing Mobile-type 81mm Mortar. Implementing an automatic laying system significantly reduced laying time from 5 minutes to 10 seconds. The number of operators was also reduced from 5 to 3. HYUNDAI WIA applied an inertial navigation system and electric driver and controller for the automatic laying system.  If the vehicle encounters any restrictions or malfunctions, the gun can be detached and operated independently with a gun plate and artillery legs equipped in the small tactical vehicle.

HYUNDAI WIA developed a ‘Remote Control Weapon System (RCWS)’ that allows firing even in a moving vehicle. The RCWS showcased at the exhibition is a combat version of RCWS that carries 7.62mm machine guns and 5.56mm rifles. RCWS is also equipped with surveillance capabilities for battlefield situations, allowing the operator to fire targets from inside the vehicle. HYUNDAI WIA designed the RCWS to detect and engage targets at up to 4km, all controlled remotely.  

“At this exhibition, you can see a glance of HYUNDAI WIA’s transformation from conventional artillery manufacturer to vehicle-mounted artillery system manufacturer. Through continuous R&D, we will strive to strengthen national defense capabilities and expand exports”, said an official from HYUNDAI WIA.