Chilean Navy Deploys South Korean KLTV Vehicles for Night Operations

Responding to large-scale fires in 4 regions according to the disaster response manual

The Chilean Navy’s Marine Infantry Corps (CIM) deployed the South Korean Light Tactical Vehicle (KLTV), the so-called ‘South Korean Humvee,’ for field operation at night.

According to industry sources, on the 20th, the Chilean Navy’s Marine Infantry Corps (CIM) recently deployed extraordinary measures to ensure public safety and order according to the disaster response manual. Specifically, South Korean Kia KLTV181 4×4 and KLTV182 4×4 light tactical vehicles were mobilized in the affected areas, including Viña del Mar and Quilpué, highlighting the armed forces’ commitment to disaster relief operations.

KLTV is a bulletproof reconnaissance vehicle based on a small tactical vehicle with frame rigidity comparable to a 7-ton (about 15,432 pounds) class vehicle. It is a model developed in the United States in 2013. Depending on the purpose, such as commander, surveillance, and multipurpose use, the model names are divided into KLTV141 (for command), KLTV181 (for troop transport), KLTV182 (for armored reconnaissance), KLTV280. It was officially deployed to the army of South Korea in 2016 and supplied to Chile over two years from 2022 to 2023. Before Chile, it has been also exported to Nigeria, Turkmenistan, and the Philippines.

Initially, CIM supplied KLTV181 as a troop transport and patrol vehicle to counter-terrorism units operating in the Arauco and Biobío regions.

The KLTV181 and KLTV182, deployed in this field operation at night, are highly praised for their excellent performance and features. The KLTV181 model, designed for personnel transport, can accommodate a driver and three passengers. Its technical features include a total length of 4.90 m (about 16 feet), a width of 2.19 m (about 9.8 feet), a height of 2.35 m (about 7.7 feet), and a ground clearance of 42 cm (about 1.4 feet), allowing exceptional mobility across various terrains. The total weight is 5700 kg (approximately 12,566 pounds), and the maximum payload is 1000 kg (about 2,204 pounds). Its performance is based on a 3.0 diesel engine with 225 horsepower, an 8-speed automatic transmission, and a 2-stage transfer case-based four-wheel drive system, boasting a maximum torque of 500 Nm and a maximum speed of 130 km/h (about 80.7 mph). The maximum driving range is about 640 km (about 397 miles).

In particular, the KLTV181 can easily pass through a ditch 760 mm (approximately 2.5 feet) high. It can overcome slopes of up to 60%. Run-flat tires (RFT) are applied, allowing the vehicle to run at a maximum speed of 48 km/h (about 29.8 mph), even if the tire pressure is low. It has a cargo compartment capable of transporting troops and various weapons. When fully utilized, it can transport about 4 tons (about 8,818 pounds) of goods, including a fully armed force of 8 people.

Advanced vehicle technology and special military specifications have mainly been applied. It has a navigation system, automatic lock, tactical tires, and an electromagnetic shielding device. In addition, there is a space on the vehicle roof to mount a machine gun and a protective cover. A smoke launcher can also be placed before the machine gun mount to create a concealment effect.

The KLTV182 is not significantly different from the KLTV181 in terms of specifications, but the inclusion of special equipment suitable for reconnaissance missions characterizes it. Intelligence is collected in various environments based on communication systems and reconnaissance equipment. It is evaluated as having high usability as it was designed with the ability to perform operations under different conditions as a top priority.

The relationship between CIM and Kia is expected to deepen further. Before the KLTV181 and KLTV182, CIM has been introducing and utilizing Kia’s military vehicles, such as KM414, KM420, KM450, KM250, and KM500 since 1986. Various tactical vehicles developed by Kia are expected to be deployed in the field.

An industry insider said, “CIM is steadily continuing work on modernizing tactical vehicles,” and added, “As it is showing a strong will to strengthen national security and actively respond to disasters, the partnership with Kia is expected to become stronger.”

Meanwhile, Kia has been developing and deploying small tactical vehicles since 2016. The company is establishing itself as a manufacturer of military vehicles by exporting tens of thousands to over 20 countries, including Chile.