Kia Showcases Advanced Defense and Utility Vehicles at UAE IDEX 2025

Kia Corporation unveiled its cutting-edge military vehicles at UAE’s International Defense Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) 2025, the largest defense industry exhibition in the Middle East and Africa region. This defense event is being organized from February 17 to February 21 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), expecting more than 1,350 companies from 65 countries.

In this year’s exhibition, Kia will present its Kia Medium Tactical Vehicle (KMTV) Bonnet-Type Bare Chassis, Kia Light Tactical Vehicle (KLTV) 2-seater Cargo, and Kia Tasman. All three models are equipped with cutting-edge technologies and specifically designed for versatile utility to cater diverse needs of its global customers.

As per company claims, the KMTV can navigate the slopes of up to 60% longitudinally and 40% laterally with its water-fording capability and can accommodate up to 25 troops. Moreover, the KMTV Bonnet-Type Chassis has a driver’s seat behind the engine, assuring enhanced protection. Due to the platform structure, the KMTV Chassis can be developed for various applications.

Talking about KLTV 2-Seater Cargo, the model is designed for adaptability and resilience in various operational environments. The vehicle has water-fording capabilities of up to 760mm and can climb 60% longitudinal slopes and traverse 40% lateral slopes while it can smoothly function in extreme temperatures as low as minus 32°C. Additionally, the vehicle comes with electromagnetic interference shielding (EMI), making it a prominent option for high-tech military applications. Like KMTV, KLTV can also be customized for various operational needs.

Considering its impressive maneuverability and versatile applications, KLTV is operational in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Latin America. These utility vehicles are also being selected for Poland’s military vehicle replacement program, further showcasing and strengthening their reliability in diverse applications.

In IDEX 2025, Kia will introduce its first-ever exclusive Kia Tasman pickup truck. Tasman pickup is specifically designed for Middle East markets. It will be available in desert colored matte finish and equipped with a snorkel system for improved off-road capabilities of the front bumper bull bar. With extensive experience of over 50 years in designing and developing special purpose vehicles, Kia plans to expand its portfolio of pickup truck segments.

On Kia’s participation in IDEX 2025, Ik Tae Kim, SVP of the Special Vehicle Division at Kia Corporation, said, “We are honored to present a wide range of special-purpose vehicles, from medium-duty trucks to pickups, all equipped with Kia’s advanced technology.” Kim added, “We will continue to develop military-specific vehicles to ensure safe and efficient mobility for defense forces, contributing to the future vision of military mobility.”