Hyundai Rotem, Kongsberg to collaborate on unmanned turrets for next-generation vehicles

Hyundai Rotem is developing a next-generation wheeled armoured vehicle (left) and main battle tank (right). Scale models of both platforms were displayed at the DX Korea 2022 exhibition. (Janes/Jon Grevatt)

Hyundai Rotem and Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace have partnered to develop unmanned turrets for next-generation military vehicles being developed by the South Korean company.

Hyundai Rotem said on 28 September that the memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed by the two firms at the DX Korea 2022 defence exhibition in Goyang, which concluded on 25 September.

The agreement provides an opportunity for the companies to co-operate on developing unmanned turrets for next-generation vehicles, as well as “unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) protection systems”.

Kongsberg declined to comment on the agreement, and Hyundai Rotem had not responded to a request for more information, at the time of publication.

However, Janes understands that the co-operation will focus on Hyundai Rotem's development of its next-generation wheeled armoured vehicle (NGWAV) and next-generation main battle tank (NGMBT).

Scale models of both platforms were displayed at the DX Korea 2022 exhibition.

Hyundai Rotem also said that the new MOU provides an opportunity for Kongsberg to supply “remote weapon systems and digital integrated systems” for platforms including South Korea's K808 wheeled armoured vehicle and the K2 MBT.

The K808 and K2 are produced by Hyundai Rotem and are in service with the Republic of Korea Army (RoKA).

It is likely, but not confirmed, that co-operation on remote weapons and unmanned turrets will feature design involvement based on Kongsberg's family of Protector remote weapons stations (RWS).