On July 16, 2026, South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration selected Hanwha Aerospace’s Arion-SMET over Hyundai Rotem’s HR-Sherpa for the Republic of Korea Army's first multipurpose unmanned ground vehicle program. The procurement addresses South Korea’s declining active-duty infantry manpower by deploying autonomous robotic systems to absorb hazardous logistics, reconnaissance, and casualty evacuation tasks. Integrated into the Army TIGER 4.0 modernization framework, the all-electric 6×6 platform establishes a digitally connected robotic layer between dismounted troops and manned combat vehicles. Read full defense news at this link...
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| During reconnaissance, route security or perimeter patrols, the Arion-SMET can carry day and night electro-optical sensors ahead of soldiers and relay imagery before the unit enters the area. (Picture source: Hanwha Aerospace) |