A KAAV-II scale model is displayed at 2019 Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX). (Janes/Jon Grevatt)
Hanwha Aerospace unveiled a prototype of its next-generation Korean Amphibious Assault Vehicle, designated KAAV-II, in late May.
A Hanwha Aerospace spokesperson told Janes that the vehicle is currently in its developmental phase. “Subject to future government decisions, the system development is projected to be completed in the 2030s,” the spokesperson said, adding the company could not comment comment on the vehicle’s capabilities.
The spokesperson said Hanwha Aerospace has supported the Agency for Defense Development’s (ADD’s) exploratory development phase as KAAV-II prototype manufacturer since 2018. ADD is a subsidiary of the Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).
Janes analysis of KAAV-II images published by National Assembly Defense Committee member Yoo Yong-won indicates a box-shaped hull with a shallow glacis and a steeply sloped belly plate, giving the vehicle an angular nose. The roof is flat, and each side has seven evenly spaced road wheels on hydro-pneumatic suspension. The vehicle also appears to use composite rubber tracks (CRT) to improve mobility.
An unmanned turret is fitted to the vehicle, featuring a radar panel similar to those used in active protection systems (APSs). The absence of a visible hard-kill launcher suggests the system may instead rely on soft-kill measures such as smoke launchers. The turret mounts a 40 mm cased telescope armament (CTA) gun.
At the front is a hydraulically operated bow blade. When folded, it forms the vehicle’s angular nose, aiding buoyancy and reducing drag. The blade would be extended before the vehicle enters water to improve amphibious performance.
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