Hyundai Rotem will take part in the World Defense Show (WDS) 2026 in Saudi Arabia as it looks to expand its presence in the Middle East defense market.
The company announced on February 9 that it will showcase its ground weapon systems and future battlefield technologies at WDS 2026, which will be held at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center from February 8 to 12 (local time). Now in its third edition, WDS is the largest defense exhibition in the Middle East and is regarded as a key event supporting Saudi Arabia’s defense industry localization strategy under Vision 2030.
At the exhibition, Hyundai Rotem plans to strengthen cooperation opportunities for entry into the Middle East market by highlighting next-generation defense technologies, including maneuver warfare systems, manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T), and hydrogen-based mobility solutions.
On display will be mock-ups of the K2 main battle tank, which has gained recognition for its performance in global markets, along with K2 platform-based variants such as an obstacle-clearing tank and an armored recovery vehicle. The exhibition will also feature mock-ups of a 30-ton wheeled armored vehicle developed for export, as well as command and medical evacuation vehicles based on an existing wheeled armored platform.
Hyundai Rotem exported the K2 tank to Poland for the first time in 2022 and signed a framework agreement with Peru in December last year covering the supply of tanks and wheeled armored vehicles.
The company will also unveil unmanned systems with enhanced counter-drone capabilities for the first time. Hyundai Rotem will present the HR-Sherpa multipurpose unmanned ground vehicle equipped with a counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS). The system uses radar to detect drones while conducting surveillance and reconnaissance missions, addressing the growing threat posed by drones on modern battlefields.
The HR-Sherpa is a modular unmanned platform capable of carrying various mission-specific payloads. All six wheels are fitted with in-wheel motors, providing high mobility and stability, while allowing continued operation even if some wheels are damaged.
A full-scale mock-up of the HR-Sherpa will be displayed, along with one-third scale models equipped with reconnaissance drones and surface-to-air and surface-to-surface guided missile systems. Videos demonstrating mission scenarios in desert, mountainous and urban environments will also be shown to highlight the platform’s operational versatility.
In addition, Hyundai Rotem will introduce its hydrogen fuel cell-based unmanned electrified platform Black Veil at an overseas exhibition for the first time. The platform, first unveiled at the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX) last year, features low-noise operation suitable for covert missions, a four-wheel-drive structure, and an open cargo area, enabling broad applications in both military and civilian logistics and transport.
A Hyundai Rotem official said the company will actively present the diverse operational potential of ground weapon systems based on advanced future technologies such as artificial intelligence, unmanned systems and hydrogen technology to customers in the Middle East.
