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Lee Yong-bae, President and CEO of Hyundai Rotem. / Hyundai Rotem

Under CEO Lee Yong-bae, Hyundai Rotem leverages export success to expand European defense footprint

As Hyundai Rotem President and CEO Lee Yong-bae drives efforts to improve profitability in the defense sector and broaden overseas markets on the back of K2 battle tank exports to Poland, the company is set to target the global market by showcasing its artificial intelligence (AI)-based unmanned systems and export-version K2 tanks at Eurosatory 2026, the world's largest defense exhibition.

Hyundai Rotem announced on June 15 that it will participate in Eurosatory 2026, held in Paris, France, to unveil its advanced ground weapon systems and future battlefield technologies. The company will establish a joint Hyundai Motor Group pavilion alongside Hyundai Wia to conduct sales and marketing activities targeting international clients.

Hyundai Rotem has chosen "The Power Leading the Future of National Defense" as its exhibition theme. The company will introduce its core products and technologies, focusing on future battlefield environments utilizing AI technology and manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) systems.

The centerpieces of this exhibition are the AI-based unmanned turret-type counter-drone (C-UAS) multi-layered defense system and the export-model K2 tank. Alongside these, the company will display its lineup of ground weapon systems, including wheeled armored vehicles and the "HR-Sherpa" multipurpose unmanned ground vehicle.

The counter-drone multi-layered defense system integrates multiple defensive tiers, from detection and identification to response. Hyundai Rotem explained that applying this system to tanks, armored vehicles, and unmanned platforms enhances battlefield survivability and expands operational scope.

At the exhibition, Hyundai Rotem will also present its concept for MUM-T systems. Manned-unmanned teaming involves manned and unmanned assets sharing real-time information and collaborating via AI networks, a concept regarded as a primary direction for future ground force operations.

Furthermore, Hyundai Rotem plans to reveal various specialized variants of the HR-Sherpa. By showcasing models equipped with mission equipment such as surveillance and reconnaissance hardware, drones, and anti-tank missiles, the company aims to address diverse demands in the global defense market.

Participation in this exhibition reflects the strategy of Hyundai Rotem CEO Lee Yong-bae to sustain growth through the expansion of defense exports. Since CEO Lee took the helm, Hyundai Rotem has accelerated its overseas market push, anchored by the Polish K2 tank export project. Notably, the defense division has spearheaded financial performance improvements, leading to a significant boost in profitability.

Hyundai Rotem has recently been exploring new export opportunities in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, with a primary focus on the K2 tank. Industry observers note that this exhibition, which highlights enhanced capabilities in AI-based unmanned systems and manned-unmanned combined combat systems, will serve as a catalyst for broadening its export portfolio beyond conventional main battle tanks.

Defense analysts evaluate that as modern battlefield environments shift toward manned-unmanned combined operations, the significance of AI-based unmanned systems and counter-drone technology continues to grow, making this exhibition a vital opportunity for Hyundai Rotem to expand its global defense business.

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Hyundai Rotem announced on June 15 that it will participate in Eurosatory 2026, the world's largest defense exhibition held in Paris, France. / Hyundai Rotem