Why Middle Eastern markets demand bespoke AFV solutions
The Leclerc MBTs operated by the UAE have a host of enhancements compared to the French Army’s own fleet. This example is fitted with a new panoramic sighting system. (Photo: author)
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 Middle East’s climatic challenges along with its deep-pocketed customers prepared to spend what is necessary to meet specific operational needs mean that Western and other OEMs targeting this market need more than an off-the-shelf offering to secure contracts.
While there is a clear trend in Middle Eastern countries to design, develop and manufacture their own fleets of armoured fighting vehicles (AFVs), especially wheeled platforms, many armed forces in the region still rely on foreign models to meet their own specific operational requirements.
A fair proportion of these were designed for operations in Europe rather than the Middle East, with its
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
-
![UK hits pause on deployable mortar system procurement as US begins search]()
UK hits pause on deployable mortar system procurement as US begins search
The US Army's market survey into available 81mm and 120mm mobile mortar systems was launched only a few days after the UK suspended Project Stokes, an almost identical plan, “pending future decisions on prioritisation, resourcing and funding”.
-
![FIA 2026: MBDA launches low-cost interceptor for short-range air defence]()
FIA 2026: MBDA launches low-cost interceptor for short-range air defence
At FIA 2026, MBDA launched its Counter Mass Interceptor (CMI) which the company says is a mass-producible, low-cost effector for fire-and-forget engagements at range and altitude.
-
![Self-propelled howitzers are driving the European artillery renaissance]()
Self-propelled howitzers are driving the European artillery renaissance
After decades of force reductions as artillery was deprioritised, Europe is now undergoing an artillery renaissance as governments across the continent scramble to invest in new capabilities in response to the war in Ukraine.
-
![“Timelines are measured in seconds”: tackling the UAS threat with dispersed defences]()
“Timelines are measured in seconds”: tackling the UAS threat with dispersed defences
Small uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) have transformed the battlespace, posing a complex threat across all domains. Militaries now need counter-UAS (CUAS) capabilities that defeat the danger while meeting demands around readiness, manoeuvrability and adaptability, according to Mike Spina, Director, Global Sales and Business Development for Targeting and Sensor Systems (TSS) at L3Harris Technologies.
-
![US Army’s future autonomous launcher nears next phase with awards expected in August]()
US Army’s future autonomous launcher nears next phase with awards expected in August
The Common Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher (CAML) is the US Army’s main effort to provide an autonomous or optionally crewed missile launcher, with more details revealed at a CSIS webinar discussion this week.
