Hyundai Rotem, a defense solutions and railway vehicles maker affiliated with Hyundai Motor Group, said Tuesday it is showcasing its next-generation defense technologies during the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition 2023, which is taking place at Seoul Airport in Seongnam this week.

The biennial event is the defense industry's biggest gathering in Korea. This year, a record 550 exhibitors from 35 nations are joining the event.

Under the theme of “Shielding Peace with Modern Defense Solutions,” Hyundai Rotem will present its ground weapons systems portfolio, centered around new innovations tailored for the manned-unmanned combined system -- a systems approach that combines human-operated equipment with autonomous technologies.

To accommodate their extensive showcase, a two-story exhibition space spanning 783 square meters has been established, in collaboration with Kia and automotive parts maker Hyundai Wia, to form a Hyundai Motor Group integrated exhibition hall.

The highlight of the exhibition is the debut of Hyundai Rotem's pioneering 30-ton wheeled armored vehicle. Developed with an eye on the global market, this vehicle boasts versatility, allowing integration with a range of mission equipment, and has the unique feature of being operable in water.

Hyundai Rotem's innovative concept for the next-generation tank, a joint venture with the Hyundai Design and Technical Center, will also be displayed. This future tank marries a low-observability stealthy design with the ability to function in diverse combat scenarios, both with and without human intervention.

A refined version of its multi-purpose unmanned vehicle will also be displayed alongside the tank. This iteration, having proven its mettle with a successful military deployment last year, promises enhanced autonomous operation reliability.

An upgraded model of the company's multi-purpose unmanned vehicle will also be on display. This iteration, which successfully underwent a military deployment last year, has improved on the reliability of its autonomous operation.

Attendees can look forward to a digital experience, with Hyundai Rotem offering an augmented reality and virtual reality section that provides a more palpable glimpse into the interiors and mechanisms of these next-gen vehicles.

Civilian applications include the U-POD, an unmanned vehicle developed in conjunction with Hyundai Motor Company. This vehicle, inspired by Hyundai Rotem's previous military unmanned designs, is equipped with features like autonomous driving and self-loading. It has potential uses in diverse civilian sectors like food delivery and waste collection.

Complementing the lineup, Hyundai Rotem is also set to reveal its export variant of the flagship K2 tank, the K2EX, equipped with updated electronics and features including remote control weapon systems.

“The 30-ton wheeled armored vehicle and the U-POD are tangible examples the company's vision of seamlessly blending manned and unmanned systems,” said a spokesperson from Hyundai Rotem.

• ·HiteJinro to produce soju in Vietnam
• ·Orchestra composed of players with visual impairment to perform Oct. 4
• ·Yoon plans state visits to UK, Netherlands later this year
• ·Intangible cultural heritage exhibitions, performances head overseas
• ·Yoon, doctors set to clash over medical school quota
• ·“러시아 공군기, 평양 도착…북러 간 접촉 활발”
• ·보란듯 제재 무시하며 국제법 준수?…김정은 활용하는 푸틴의 속내는
• ·[Herald Interview] 'UN peacekeeping forces need better gender equity'
• ·[Korea Beyond Korea] In Paris, soaring demand for Korean studies yet to be fully met
• ·XG storms back with 'New DNA'
• ·[사진] 영장심사 마친 이재명, 묵묵부답
• ·More seniors working but still not earning enough: data
• ·Beef prices have soared 100
• ·[Herald Interview] Forever is not impossible: Oneus aspires to global reach with 'La Dolce Vita'
• ·北주민 굶어 죽어도…김여정 디오르, 최선희는 구찌 '명품 사랑'
• ·New teachers’ manual bans recording devices in classrooms