On December 9, a batch of Kia Light Tactical Vehicle (KLTV) 4×4 light armored vehicles for the Chilean Marine Corps (Cuerpo de Infantería de Marina, CIM) disembarked at the DP World San Antonio port terminal in the Valparaíso Region. According to Infodefensa, the Kia Light Tactical Vehicles (KLTV) correspond to the KLTV181 troop transport version. These new cars will replace the unarmoured 4×4 Kia ??KM 450 vehicles in patrol work in the two provinces of the Biobío Region. The light armored vehicless were acquired as part of a requirement that the institution formulated to equip the Chilean Marine Corps personnel deployed in the provinces of Arauco and Biobío within the framework of the State of Constitutional Emergency Exception in force in these areas due to serious and repeated acts of violence and terrorist attacks.
The Kia Light Tactical Vehicle (KLTV) or the Raycolt (Hyeonma) is an Infantry mobility vehicle released by South Korea’s Kia Motors. It entered full production in 2016 and entered service with the Republic of Korea Army the same year. It was originally designed to meet the needs of the South Korean armed forces, and was developed with assistance and funding from the South Korean Ministry of National Defense. It is also eyed as a replacement for the existing fleet of Kia KM420 and KM450 utility vehicles in South Korean military service. 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.
KLTV181 Armored Personnel Carrier – officially designated K152, can carry up to 7 passengers. 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.
The Chilean Marine Corps is an entity of the Chilean Navy special forces which specializes in amphibious assaults. The Marines are organized into two battalion-sized detachments (Destacamento de Infantería), two full-time battalions plus support units. As of 2013 they are now a full division-sized formation of 2 brigades plus independent units. The Chilean Marine Corps consists mainly of amphibious assault force, coastal defense force, special forces, support organs and garrisons. It also organizes, equips and trains them to develop in times of conflict operations and actions that are characteristic over territory or where necessary, as irreplaceable component of the naval power of the nation, contributing effectively to safeguard the sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Marine Corps is also active in bomb disposal efforts as part of its international responsibilities.
