South Korean defence prime Hanwha Aerospace has taken the opportunity at the 2023 edition of ADEX in Seoul to showcase its expanding range of 6×6 Unmanned Ground Combat Vehicles (UGCVs).
Taking centre stage at its expansive booth were four UGCV models, namely TAIpers (Tank Sniper), Turret, RCWS (Remote Control Weapon System), and Laser.
The latest development comes after Hanwha had exhibited the full-scale TAIpers UGCV at MSPO 2023 in Kielce, Poland earlier in September. The vehicle on display in Kielce was seen with a topside launcher armed with six ready to fire TAIpers anti-tank guided missiles (ATGM).
In contrast, the Turret variant is envisioned to be armed with a medium-calibre main gun, a secondary gun, as well as customer-specified ATGMs, while the RCWS is designed for reconnaissance and is armed with a heavy machine gun. The Laser variant will be equipped with a high-energy laser (HEL) that will be able to defeat tactical missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
A company spokesperson told AMR that Hanwha was earlier selected by the South Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) and the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) to spearhead development of the RoKA’s future combat UGVs after successful technology demonstrations and field trials.
The company earlier unveiled the baseline 6-tonne UGCV prototype at the DX Korea exhibition in 2018. The prototype vehicle measures about 4.6 metres long and 2.5 metres wide, according to the spokesperson. Although it is expected that production vehicles will be considered expendable assets, there is also the option to beef up survivability with lightweight composite armour plating on its hull for protection against small arms fire and shrapnel.
“The UGCV is designed to support conventional mechanised forces on the battlefield on all types of terrain, and can be used to detect enemy presence, enhance friendly units’ targeting, and even engage in direct combat,” said the spokesperson.
The spokesperson also pointed out that the vehicle could be employed as a ‘robotic wingman’ alongside the Republic of Korea Army’s future land warfare platforms such as the proposed next-generation K3 main battle tank and other infantry fighting vehicles.
by Jr Ng
