The selection forms part of the Army TIGER modernisation initiative, which is intended to expand autonomous capabilities across the Republic of Korea Army. Hanwha Aerospace said the decision reflects the technological maturity of Arion-SMET and the potential of autonomous systems developed within Hanwha Group.
Arion-SMET was designed to support military operations while reducing risks to individual soldiers. The platform combines autonomous mobility with logistics, reconnaissance, surveillance and casualty evacuation capabilities.
The vehicle can navigate autonomously and operate in a follow-me mode alongside troops. It can also transport cargo and conduct logistics resupply missions in support of deployed units.
Arion-SMET is designed to perform reconnaissance and surveillance missions and support casualty evacuation, or CASEVAC. The platform can also be integrated with remote weapon stations.
The system has undergone a series of field trials and operational evaluations in South Korea and international markets. Hanwha Aerospace said those assessments demonstrated the vehicle’s capabilities under real-world operating conditions.
The acquisition marks a step in South Korea’s effort to introduce autonomous ground systems into military operations under the Army TIGER programme. For Hanwha Aerospace, the selection also provides domestic recognition of its work on next-generation unmanned military technologies.
Hanwha Aerospace expects autonomous systems to play an increasingly important role in future military capabilities. The Arion-SMET programme positions the company’s unmanned ground vehicle technology within that broader shift toward greater battlefield autonomy.
