It was originally designed to meet the needs of the South Korean armed forces, and was developed with assistance and funding from the South Korean Ministry of National Defense. It is also eyed as a replacement for the existing fleet of Kia KM420 and KM450 utility vehicles in South Korean military service.[8]
History
The Kia KLTV was first displayed in the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2015 held in Abu Dhabi, UAE.[9] After starting production in 2016, about 60 vehicles were deployed to the Republic of Korea Army in January 2017.[6][7]
The KLTV Weapon Carrier, which is designated K151 in ROK service, was displayed in Asian Defense, Security & Crisis Management Exhibition and Conference (ADAS) 2016 and 2018 in Manila, Philippines, which is a huge market for military vehicles from Kia Motors. Kia announced that two KLTVs were in the Philippines during the ADAS 2018 event for testing.[10]
The KLTV181 Armored Personnel Carrier variant, which is officially called K152 in ROK service, was presented in Defense Expo (DX) Korea 2018.[11] The K151 Weapon Carrier was also displayed at the International Defense Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2018 in Karachi, Pakistan, as interest from the Pakistani Army on the vehicle was said to be high.
In 2018, the KLTV is being proposed to the Pakistani Army in a partnership effort with the Hajvairy Group during the IDEAS 2018 convention.[12][13]
As of 2019, the Philippines has received three KLTVs for technical evaluation.[14]
In August 2023, the Polish Ministry of National Defense signed a contract with the Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa SA (PGZ) and Rosomak SA to acquire Light Reconnaissance Vehicles (LPRs), Polish-made versions of the Raycolt.[15]
Compared to previous generation of light utility vehicles developed by Kia, the KLTV was designed combining mobility, survivability, and practicality in mind. It was developed with modularization of its basic chassis and using for various derivative models including standard, long wheel base, armored, and armed variants.[8][19]
The basic 4-door variant can carry one driver and three passengers, while a single-cab variant is also available. Modular compartments can be used on both single and double cab variants.
Both standard and armored variants are available, with the armored variant having extra protection including bullet-proof windshields and door glass, composite panels and doors, mine-protected flooring, blast-absorbing seats, and gunner protective armor.[20]Samyang Comtech, a South Korean manufacturer of bulletproof ballistic armors, produces KLTV's bulletproof panel.[21]
Weapons can be mounted on the roof opening, including manually-operated canopy weapon mounts or remote-controlled weapon systems. Weapon mounts could be for 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine guns, 40mm automatic grenade launchers, or anti-tank missiles.
A 10kW power generator can be added to provide power for RCWS and other equipment like communication radios and computers, special equipment and other electric-operated optional equipment.
