SOFEX 2016: Centurion re-born
A prototype tracked armoured personnel carrier called Al-Dawsar (Lion) was displayed at SOFEX for the first time.
Built by Jordan’s King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB) it is the third generation of the British Vickers Centurion main battle tank (MBT), 293 of which were delivered to the Jordanian Army during the 1960s and ‘70s.
In the 1980s, the Centurion’s Meteor petrol engine was replaced with the 750 hp American General Dynamics Land Systems and Muskegon Operations AVDS-1970 series V12 diesel engine with an Allison CD 850-6A automatic transmission.
It was also refitted with a Belgian SABCA fire-control system
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
US pours another $23 billion into Arsenal of Freedom to ramp up missile production
The US Department of Defense (DoD) is spending billions of dollars to accelerate missile production to meet demands from the war against Iran and requirements in Ukraine. Manufacture of SM-3 and PAC-3 interceptors is being ramped up, alongside a $22.9 billion commitment to Tomahawk cruise missiles.
-
Rheinmetall advances longer 155mm ordnance with 30% range increase
Rheinmetall has begun initial firing trials of a new 155mm/60-calibre artillery ordnance that could deliver up to 30% greater range than its existing 155mm/52-calibre system, as production of the current gun expands across Germany and the UK.
-
Trans-European iMUGS2 uncrewed systems programme set for three-day exercise in 2028
The next stage of the Integrated Modular Unmanned Ground System (iMUGS) programme, dubbed iMUGS2, was launched in November 2025. Three major demonstrations are planned before the end of 2028.