Korean defense firm showcases concept stealth ground vehicle

SEOUL, Oct. 17 (UPI) -- South Korea's Hyundai Rotem showcased Tuesday a ground vehicle using stealth technology during the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition.

The vehicle, designed by Hyundai Rotem, a maker of tanks and trains, features a honeycomb design for body and turret to reduce the chances of detection.

The new design enables the tank to be under a lower radar cross-section, according to the company, which is an affiliate of Hyundai Motor.

With an unmanned tank turret driven by a drone, the tank is powered by an active protection system that guards against anti-tank weapons.

"The latest design, which takes advantage of stealth technology, was created in concert with Hyundai Motor and highlights the future of ground vehicles," a Hyundai Rotem official told UPI News Korea.

"We don't have a specific timeline for full production yet, as the vehicle is still in a concept stage. We also have to ascertain the demand level from various governments," he said.

Major defense firms have been busy developing ground vehicles with stealth technology, but they have yet to be deployed for actual military use.

Hyundai Rotem also demonstrated another concept vehicle, dubbed U-POD, during the exhibition, which will continue through Sunday.

U-POD is a small, autonomous vehicle that can carry and unload cargo. It could be utilized for food or garbage disposal.

Hyundai Rotem gained international attention in August 2022 when the company signed a deal to provide a total of 180 K2PL, a variant of its K2 Black Panther tank, to Poland by 2025.

The first batch of its K2 tanks was sent to Poland late last year.