It was originally designed to meet the needs of the South Korean armed forces, and was developed with assistance and funding from the South Korean Ministry of National Defense. It is also eyed as a replacement for the existing fleet of Kia KM420 and KM450 utility vehicles in South Korean military service.[8]
History
The Kia KLTV was first displayed in the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) 2015 held in Abu Dhabi, UAE.[citation needed] After starting production in 2016, about 60 vehicles were deployed to the Republic of Korea Army in January 2017.[6][7]
The KLTV Weapon Carrier, which is designated K151 in ROK service, was displayed in Asian Defense, Security & Crisis Management Exhibition and Conference (ADAS) 2016 and 2018 in Manila, Philippines, which is a huge market for military vehicles from Kia Motors. Kia announced that two KLTVs were in the Philippines during the ADAS 2018 event for testing.[9]
The KLTV181 Armored Personnel Carrier variant, which is officially called K152 in ROK service, was presented in Defense Expo (DX) Korea 2018.[citation needed] The K151 Weapon Carrier was also displayed at the International Defense Exhibition and Seminar (IDEAS) 2018 in Karachi, Pakistan, as interest from the Pakistani Army on the vehicle was said to be high.
In 2018, the KLTV is being proposed to the Pakistani Army in a partnership effort with the Hajvairy Group during the IDEAS 2018 convention.[10]
As of 2019, the Philippines has received three KLTVs for technical evaluation.[11]
In August 2023, the Polish Ministry of National Defense signed a contract with the Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ SA) and Rosomak SA to acquire Light Reconnaissance Vehicles (LPRs), Polish-made versions of the Raycolt.[citation needed]
Compared to previous generation of light utility vehicles developed by Kia, the KLTV was designed combining mobility, survivability, and practicality in mind. It was developed with modularization of its basic chassis and using for various derivative models including standard, long wheel base, armored, and armed variants.[8][15]
The basic 4-door variant can carry one driver and three passengers, while a single-cab variant is also available. Modular compartments can be used on both single and double cab variants.
Both standard and armored variants are available, with the armored variant having extra protection including bullet-proof windshields and door glass, composite panels and doors, mine-protected flooring, blast-absorbing seats, and gunner protective armor.[16]Samyang Comtech, a South Korean manufacturer of bulletproof ballistic armors, produces KLTV's bulletproof panel.[17]
Weapons can be mounted on the roof opening, including manually operated canopy weapon mounts or remote-controlled weapon systems. Weapon mounts could be for 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine guns, 40mm automatic grenade launchers, or anti-tank missiles.
A 10 kW power generator can be added to provide power for RCWS and other equipment like communication radios and computers, special equipment and other electric-operated optional equipment.
Models
Polish Legwan K153 short wheelbase vehicleK153 side viewLegwan long wheelbase shelter cargo truck
Short wheelbase armored cabin
K151 Armored Command Vehicle[18] (base trim) - A military field vehicle for battalioncommanders with an armored cabin and three passenger seats. Export designation KLTV151 (formerly KLTV141)[19]
K152 Armored Personnel Carrier[22] - A short wheelbase vehicle for troop transport with seven passenger seats. Export designation KLTV181[23]
K153 Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle[24] - A short wheelbase vehicle for day and night reconnaissance missions with armored cabin. export designation KLTV182[25]
K153C Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle - An armored reconnaissance vehicle modified to meet STANAG 4569 level 2–3 requirements based on K153.[20]
Short wheelbase standard cabin
K154 Artillery Observer Vehicle[26] (base trim) - The vehicle, designated KLTV280 in the export market, was originally designed as a multi-purpose vehicle with seven passenger seats, but was modified for the observation mission of the artillery unit in the Republic of Korea Army.[27]
K154C Cargo Truck - A short wheelbase vehicle equipped with a deck for troop and cargo transport. Export designation KLTV223[20][21][28]
Long wheelbase standard cabin
K351 Shop Van[29] (base trim) - A field shop van with a wide variety of maintenance tools and spare parts. Export designation KLTV204[30]
K351C Cab Chassis Truck[31] - A cap chassis truck that can mount various add-on superstructure modules. Export designation KLTV240[32]
KLTV243 Cargo Truck - A long wheelbase vehicle equipped with a deck for troop and cargo transport.[20][21]
Mali – Malian military began receiving Kia KLTVs in 2017 for use by FORSAT forces.[35]
Nigeria – Nigerian army began receiving Kia KLTVs in 2020. At least one KLTV was spotted brand new with the factory sticker on the windscreen.[citation needed]
Turkmenistan – State Border Service of Turkmenistan operates at least dozen KLTV.[40]
Peru – Ten units were built and subsequently delivered to the army. Production of more units is expected; it is believed that they could manufacture around 200 to 300 units by 2026.
↑"KIA Military Vehicles"(PDF). Korea Defense Industry Association. 14 October 2020. Archived from the original(PDF) on 17 August 2025. Retrieved 17 August 2025.
