Hyundai to begin mass production of new command post vehicle

South Korean defense builder Hyundai Rotem begin mass production of a new wheeled command post vehicle for the country’s armed forces.

According to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), the new mobile command post will replace the South Korean tent field command post currently in use.

The mobile command post will allow military officials to relay commands to soldiers while moving around the battlefield.

The vehicles will be equipped with a modern command and control system and an advanced high pressure system to improve survivability.

The command post will also be equipped with armored plates to protect against firearms and chemical, biological and radiological attacks.

A total of 55.3 billion won ($4.4 million) will be allocated for the initial mass production of the vehicles.

Localization increase

brigadier general Cho Hyun-ki said the country plans to increase its use of indigenous materials in the production of command post vehicles.

DAPA seeks to increase the vehicle’s location rate to 98% and make it a “competitive system” in the global defense market.

The ministry also disclosed that the mobile command posts are based on existing armored infantry vehicles and components, enabling a significant reduction in development costs.

“Wheeled command post vehicles are a key force in implementing a mobile system for ground forces and will significantly improve the mobility, viability and command and control capabilities of infantry units and play a major role in improving our military strength,” Cho explained.

About 1.5 trillion won ($1.2 billion) would be spent to acquire the new command vehicles for South Korean army and navy units.