HMAV 4×4 “Tarantula” Meets Malaysian Army’s Technical Specifications – Defence Minister

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – The High Mobility Armoured Vehicle (HMAV) 4×4 “Tarantula” meets the technical specifications set by the Malaysian Army, according to Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin in a verbal response during the Dewan Rakyat session yesterday.

In addition, the vehicle manufacturer, MILDEF Technologies Sdn Bhd, has been found capable of supplying the “Tarantula” as a locally-produced product and has the necessary manufacturing facilities.

“Based on the testing protocols for an armoured vehicle, the Army has determined that the Tarantula 4×4 armoured vehicle offered has met and complied with the technical specifications required.”

“The company is also deemed capable of supplying this vehicle as a locally-produced product with the necessary manufacturing facilities,” the Defence Minister said in his verbal response to a question from Datuk Ikmal Hisham Abdul Aziz (PN-Tanah Merah) during the Dewan Rakyat session yesterday.

Ikmal, a former Deputy Defence Minister, had asked for the results of tests conducted by the Defence Science and Technology Research Institute (STRIDE) on the “Tarantula” vehicle manufactured by MILDEF.

According to Mohamed Khaled, the HMAV 4×4 “Tarantula” has undergone several evaluation processes to meet the operational requirements of the Malaysian Army.

“The evaluation process was carried out by a team appointed from STRIDE together with the Army, covering the following tests:
a) Vehicle Capability Assessment in Malaysia’s operational terrain conducted in early 2021;
b) Company Capability Evaluation in February 2023;
c) Ballistic Test conducted at the Defence Technology Institute in Bangkok, Thailand, in July 2023; and
d) Mine/Underbelly Test conducted at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research in Pretoria, South Africa, in October 2023,” said the Defence Minister.

The HMAV “Tarantula” armoured vehicle by MILDEF can be equipped with a 12.7mm Remote Control Weapon System (RCWS), Anti-Tank Guided Weapon (ATGW), Multiple Grenade Launcher (MGL), and other systems as per customer requirements.

However, the final vehicle specifications will depend on the customer’s needs.

The armoured vehicle is equipped with Stanag 4569 Level 2B underbelly armour protection and Stanag 4569 Level 2 body armour protection to safeguard the crew inside the vehicle.

The power-to-weight ratio of the MILDEF HMAV 4×4 is 24 horsepower per ton.

According to previous reports, the 14-ton HMAV 4×4 “Tarantula” was developed by MILDEF over four years of research and development at a cost of RM16 million.

Powered by a 6.6-liter inline 6-cylinder turbo diesel engine from Caterpillar, the Tarantula can operate in temperatures ranging from -21 degrees Celsius to 49 degrees Celsius.

The vehicle also offers protection against bullets, ballistics, grenades, and landmines. — DSA