Kia has unveiled a military-spec version of its Tasman ute at the Seoul Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX 2025) in South Korea. 

The reveal marks the first public showing of the finished military model, giving a strong indication of how the production Tasman can be adapted for specialised roles.

Reports indicate the vehicle has officially been selected as the new command vehicle for the Republic of Korea Armed Forces, with the Tasman expected to begin deployment later this year. Built by Kia’s Special Vehicle division, it takes the bones of the production Tasman and reworks it for defence use, combining heavy-duty off-road hardware with tactical systems and communications tech.

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The military model appears to borrow heavily from the high-spec X-Pro grade of the road-going Tasman, demonstrating that the civilian version already shares mechanical toughness and off-road tech capable of meeting demanding conditions.

The Tasman X‑Pro is the top-tier model in Kia Australia’s dual-cab ute range. Like the rest of the line-up, it is powered by a 2.2‑litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing 154kW and 440Nm, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and full 4×4 capability.

Compared with the lower X-Line model, the X‑Pro adds 17-inch black alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres, an electronic rear locking differential with on/off control, X-Trek Mode, and selectable Terrain Modes for snow, sand, mud and rock.

Off-road monitoring is enhanced by a Ground View Monitor and an Off-Road Page showing steering angle, direction and fluid levels. The X‑Pro also includes fuel tank undercover protection. Interior upgrades include ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, an eight-way powered passenger seat with integrated memory, a heated steering wheel, full ambient lighting, sunroof and a premium Harmon Kardon sound system. 

These features make the X‑Pro the most fully equipped Tasman in the Australian line-up.

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