Hanwha Aerospace has been selected as the preferred bidder for the military's multi-purpose unmanned vehicle project.
On July 16, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced that it finalized the selection of Hanwha Aerospace's Arion Smet as the model for the multi-purpose unmanned vehicle project during a meeting of its Defense Acquisition Planning and Management Committee.
The multi-purpose unmanned vehicle is designed to perform various missions, including surveillance, reconnaissance, and transport of supplies and casualties in infantry operations. It is considered a key asset for the Army's future combat system, known as Army TIGER 4.0.
The selected Arion Smet is the first domestically developed multi-purpose unmanned vehicle, created through a civil-military collaboration project. It boasts a payload capacity of approximately 450 kg, features for friend-or-foe identification using day and night surveillance equipment, and the ability to operate continuously for extended periods, earning it a reputation for world-class performance. The vehicle's overall domestic production rate exceeds 98%, including key equipment such as the Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS).
DAPA explained that the model selection evaluation was finalized after a comprehensive review of the proposals, test results, negotiations, and performance verification, followed by deliberation and resolution by the Defense Acquisition Planning and Management Committee.
The agency plans to proceed with the contract signing within the third quarter of this year, aiming for operational capability by 2027-2028.
A DAPA official stated, "The evaluation and bidding process for the multi-purpose unmanned vehicle project were conducted fairly and legally in accordance with relevant laws and procedures. We will continue to adhere strictly to these regulations to ensure a fair and transparent project execution."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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