Hyundai Rotem unveils 4th-gen unmanned military vehicle, HR-Sherpa

South Korea's Hyundai Rotem Co. unveiled the 4th generation HR-Sherpa, a multipurpose unmanned vehicle designed for military operations.

The latest HR-Sherpa was first showcased at the 2024 Korea Institute of Military Science and Technology Comprehensive Symposium in Jeju Island on June 14 and the 2024 Korea Defense Industry Expo in Daejeon City on June 17, according to Hyundai Rotem on Tuesday.

Developed in collaboration with the Hyundai Motor Group, the HR-Sherpa can perform various operations and missions, including surveillance, reconnaissance, combat, and the transport of wounded soldiers and supplies. Its performance has been improved over four generations.

These vehicles have emerged as a sustainable solution for military operations amid a growing shortage of personnel due to low birth rates and an aging population.

The 4th generation HR-Sherpa features advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous driving, unmanned operation, and electrification.

Its design concept was inspired by the Phalanx, an ancient Greek heavy infantry formation known for its defensive strength.

Write to Jung-Eun Shin at newyearis@hankyung.com