South Korean defense manufacturer Hyundai Rotem will 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 South Korea’s tent field command post currently being employed.
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 a state-of-the-art high-pressure system to enhance survivability.
The command post will also be mounted with armored plates to protect against firearms, and chemical, biological, and radiological attack.
A total of 55.3 billion won ($4.4 million) will be allotted for the initial mass production of the vehicles.
Increase in Localization
Brigadier General Cho Hyun-ki said that the country is planning to increase its use of indigenous materials in producing the command post vehicles.
DAPA seeks to boost the vehicle’s localization rate to 98 percent and make it a “competitive system” on the global defense market.
The ministry also revealed that the mobile command posts are based on existing infantry armored vehicles and components, allowing a significant reduction in development costs.
“Wheel-type command post vehicles are a key force in the implementation of a mobile system for ground forces and will greatly improve the mobility, viability and command and control capabilities of infantry units and play a major role in enhancing our military strength,” Cho explained.
Around 1.5 trillion won ($1.2 billion) will reportedly be spent on acquiring the new command vehicles for South Korean Army and Marine units.