Why Middle Eastern markets demand bespoke AFV solutions
In this expert analysis, Christopher Foss looks at how armoured vehicle suppliers to the Middle East are increasingly tailoring platforms for the region’s specific operational requirements.
The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is now fielding a new family of 6x6 and 8x8 heavy trucks manufactured by the Shaanxi Automobile Group.
The platform is described as a third-generation vehicle (some sources label it the HMV3), and Shaanxi won the contract to develop this new type in 2017. The first prototypes were evaluated by Chinese troops in 2018, and it was subsequently formally accepted for service last year.
They bear a passing resemblance to the Oshkosh-built HEMTT used by the US military. The Chinese trucks feature a 6x6 or 8x8 modular semi-rigid chassis, and employ an independent suspension and
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In this expert analysis, Christopher Foss looks at how armoured vehicle suppliers to the Middle East are increasingly tailoring platforms for the region’s specific operational requirements.
More than a year after selecting the KNDS Artillery Gun Module mounted on the Piranha IV 8x8 as its next artillery system, Switzerland is still awaiting the contract that will deliver the guns.
Milrem’s THeMIS uncrewed ground vehicle is one of the most battle-proven medium UGV platforms in service, with the company looking to have production versions of new large platforms ready before the end of the decade.
CENTCOM confirmed that PrSMs have been deployed in the offensive against Iran, bringing what it called “an unrivalled deep strike capability”.
Defence buyers globally are increasingly looking to tie domestic manufacturing and technology transfer into deals.
This month we saw a major presence from Turkish, Russian and Chinese companies at the World Defense Show with new vehicles from major suppliers, while elsewhere there were evolving mortar programmes and artillery modernisation efforts.