Kia participates in IDEX 2023, largest defense exhibition in MENA

On Monday, Kia Corp. announced its participation in IDEX 2023, a defense industry trade show being held at the National Exhibition Center in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, until Feb. 24.

IDEX, the largest international defense exhibition in the Middle East and North Africa, is currently holding its 16th event, having been held biennially since 1993. Kia has been an exhibitor at the fair since 2015.

This year, Kia unveiled its hydrogen-powered ATV (hydrogen-powered light tactical vehicle) concept car for the first time outside South Korea, along with its armored reconnaissance vehicle and bare chassis. The small tactical vehicles are aimed at its primary markets in the Middle East and Africa.

The hydrogen-powered ATV is a vehicle that applies hydrogen power to the existing ATV concept car, which is driven by an engine. It is capable of carrying out missions more safely and quietly, and responding proactively to environmental concerns.

Kia explained that the armored reconnaissance vehicle was equipped with safety features such as reinforced bulletproof glass and an explosion pressure relief sheet to enhance mobility and occupant safety.

The bare chassis is a vehicle with a high degree of scalability that can be equipped with various types of equipment, including armored vehicles, as it comes equipped with only the powertrain, such as the frame and engine.

"We will continue to develop special vehicles with various future technologies to help the military move more safely and conveniently," said a Kia official.

Write to Hyung-Kyu Kim at khk@hankyung.com