The Kia KLTV was first displayed in the International Defence Exhibition and Conference 2015 held in Abu Dhabi, UAE. It has also been displayed several times in global defense exhibitions. It officially entered production on June 2016. The KLTV Weapon Carrier, which is designated K151 in ROK service, was displayed in Asian Defense, Security & Crisis Management Exhibition and Conference 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. The KLTV181 Armored Personnel Carrier variant, which is officially called K152 in ROK service, was presented in Defense Expo Korea 2018. The K151 Weapon Carrier was also displayed at the International Defense Exhibition and Seminar 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. As of 2019, the Philippines has received three KLTVs for technical evaluation.
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. 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. Dyneema is collaborating with Kia Motors in using its lightweight armor with the KLTVs. 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 10kw 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.
Variants
1. Standard Wheel Base Standard Cabin: - KLTV280 Multi-Purpose Vehicle - KLTV223 Cargo Truck 2. Standard Wheel Base Armored Cabin: - KLTV141 Armored Command Vehicle - KLTV181 Armored Personnel Carrier - officially designated K152, can carry up to 7 passengers - KLTV182 Armored Reconnaissance Vehicle - Weapon Carrier - Weapon Carrier - officially designated K151 - Remote Control Weapon Carrier 3. Long Wheel Base Standard Cabin: - Cargo Truck - Shop Van - KLTV240 Cab Chassis Truck - Shelter Cargo Truck - NBC Reconnaissance Vehicle
Operators
– KLTV began entering service in 2016.
– Malian military began receiving Kia KLTVs in 2017 for use by FORSAT forces.
