Hyundai Wia targets Chile's advanced arms market

Hyundai Wia Corp., an auto parts and defense unit of Hyundai Motor Group, announced on Thursday that it unveiled advanced weapons systems at the 2024 International Air and Space Fair (FIDAE), the premier aerospace and defense exhibition in Latin America, held in Santiago, Chile.

The company used the platform to showcase its mobile artillery system, the 105mm self-propelled howitzer, which is significantly lighter than previous models.

This weight reduction enhances portability, facilitates transportation by vehicle, and extends the operational range.

Hyundai Wia streamlined the crew requirements, with a battery command team of four and a separate three-person artillery operation team.

Hyundai Wia's vehicle-mounted 81mm mortar model is designed for swift deployment on small tactical vehicles within battlefield environments.

The company expects to expand to the Chilean artillery system export market, bolstered by the 2023 defense cooperation agreement signed between South Korea and Chile.

Write to Nan-Sae Bin at binthere@hankyung.com