Hanwha Aerospace introduced the Tigon 8×8 tank destroyer with TAipers ATGM

At KADEX 2024, Hanwha Aerospace presented the Tigon 8×8 multi-purpose combat vehicle, developed using the company's own technologies. This new 8×8 configuration is based on the earlier Tigon 6×6 wheeled armored vehicle that has become popular for export to the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The Tigon 6×6 has been modified into an 8×8 variant for increased mobility, firepower and survivability. Equipped with an engine with a capacity of more than 700 horsepower, the Tigon 8×8 is designed to maintain its performance even in difficult conditions, particularly in the desert.

The vehicle is capable of carrying various weapon systems, such as a 12.7mm Remotely Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS), a 105mm turret and anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) launchers. It offers STANAG 4 ballistic protection and STANAG 3 or higher mine protection. This provides some protection to the crew in case of direct fire or mine threat. At the event, the Tigon 8×8 was unveiled as a tank destroyer equipped with the TAipers ATGM, also known as the Cheongeom. The vehicle's role is to engage enemy tanks from long distances, using the anti-tank guided missile system to target key targets before melee combat begins.

TAipers ATGM has a firing range of 8 kilometers, develops a speed of 200 meters per second and can penetrate up to 1000 millimeters of rolled uniform steel. The Tigon 8×8 was selected for the 24-1 export weapon system modification and development project led by the Korea Defense Technology Planning and Improvement Research Institute (KRIT). In September 2024, Hanwha signed a contract for this project. Although specific buyers remain confidential, the Tigon 8×8 has already been exported to the Middle East and Southeast Asian regions.

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The Tigon series is derived from the 6×6 model, which was first introduced in April 2018 at the Defense Services Asia (DSA) exhibition in Kuala Lumpur. The Tigon 6×6 was developed for operations in the Middle East and Asia, providing improved performance over the earlier Hanwha Black Fox 6×6 armored vehicle. Powered by a 525 horsepower engine, the 6×6 can reach speeds of over 110 km/h and is equipped with STANAG Level 3 protection against direct fire, mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). The Tigon 6×6 also has amphibious capabilities, using waterjet propulsion to reach speeds of 8.5 km/h in water.

The Tigon 6×6 can be equipped with a range of armaments, including 12.7mm or 30- mm RCWS and a 90-mm gun. The car is versatile and can serve as an armored personnel carrier, accommodating up to 11 people, including the driver, commander and gunner. It uses a modular system that allows it to adapt to different operational requirements and environments, including roads and off-road.

In 2022, Hanwha demonstrated a platform ground integration kit for the TAipers ATGM at the MSPO exhibition in Kielce, Poland. The missile was originally designed for helicopters, but has been adapted for ground vehicle deployment. The TAipers system can be installed on a variety of platforms, including light tactical and heavily armored vehicles. It is stored in a container and can be raised to launch when a target is identified. The versatility of the missile system both in the air and on the ground reflects modern trends in the adaptation of air-to-ground ammunition. for multi-purpose capabilities.

The TAipers missile system is comparable to other systems on the market, such as the Israeli Spike missile and the Turkish UMTAS. Its range and fiber-optic guidance made it suitable for a variety of missions, both ground and air, without major modifications. Hanwha's adaptation of the TAipers system highlights the growing demand for flexible missile systems on various platforms.