Malaysia Police Chief Inspects IAG Guardian 4×4 Armored Vehicles for General Operations Force

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – Malaysia’s Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tan Sri Razarudin Husain, personally oversaw the Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) of four armored vehicles destined for the General Operations Force (PGA) at International Armored Group (IAG) facilities in Ras Al-Khaimah, United Arab Emirates (UAE), on Sunday.

The armored vehicles inspected were of the IAG Guardian 4×4 model.

“The inspection visit, conducted from February 15 to 19, aims to ensure that the vehicles supplied by Global Komited Sdn Bhd fully comply with the specifications outlined in the contract before their official delivery and final inspection at the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) vehicle depot,” PDRM stated in an official Facebook post.

This procurement, approved under the 12th Malaysia Plan (RMKe-12), is part of the Malaysian government’s effort to enhance national security, particularly in border protection operations against illegal incursions.

The IGP and the PDRM delegation’s visit to IAG commenced with a briefing by IAG President Dr. Anton Stefov, who provided insights into the company’s expertise in armored vehicle manufacturing.

This was followed by a presentation by Global Komited Sdn Bhd’s CEO, Datuk Ir Mohd Nasser Israil, detailing the specifications and features of the newly acquired vehicles.

The PDRM delegation was also given a tour of the manufacturing facility, where they conducted a physical inspection of the vehicles before taking a test ride to assess the mobility, durability, and combat-readiness of the armored personnel carriers slated for PGA use.

Beyond the PDRM, the Malaysian peacekeeping contingent (MALBATT) in Lebanon has also been operating nine IAG Guardian 4×4 armored vehicles since 2018.

According to a written response in the Malaysian Parliament in March last year, Minister of Defence Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin confirmed that these nine Guardian 4×4 armored vehicles remain categorized as Contingent-Owned Equipment (COE) and are actively utilized by MALBATT under UNIFIL peacekeeping operations in Lebanon.

The acquisition of the IAG Guardian 4×4 vehicles in 2018 was part of a fleet modernization initiative, replacing nine aging CONDOR armored vehicles, which had been in service for over 40 years and had become unserviceable.

The IAG Guardian 4×4 is a versatile armored personnel carrier designed to provide robust protection and mobility for military and law enforcement operations.

Below are its key technical specifications:

Protection:

• Ballistic Protection: Standard protection up to CEN Level B6/NIJ III or STANAG Level II. With an add-on armor package, this can be enhanced to CEN Level B7 and STANAG Level III.

• Blast Protection: Engineered to withstand explosions equivalent to 6 kg of TNT beneath the vehicle.

Dimensions and Capacity:

• Length: 5.95 meters

• Width: 2.43 meters

• Height: 2.56 meters

• Weight: Ranging from 6,600 to 8,000 kg, depending on configuration.

• Crew Capacity: Accommodates 2 crew members plus 8 to 10 passengers.

Engine and Performance:

• Engine Options:

  • 6.7L V8 Diesel: 300 hp / 660 lb-ft

  • 6.2L V8 Petrol: 385 hp / 430 lb-ft

  • 6.8L V10 Petrol: 288 hp / 424 lb-ft

• Transmission: 5 or 6-speed automatic

• Maximum Speed: Up to 120 km/h

• Operational Range: Approximately 800 km

Additional Features:

• 360° Rotational Turret: Capable of mounting various weapon systems, including machine guns and grenade launchers.

• Suspension and Braking: Heavy-duty systems designed for enhanced off-road performance and to support the vehicle’s armored weight.

• Run-Flat Tires: Equipped with a run-flat system to maintain mobility in case of tire damage.

• Customizable Interior: Options include individual bucket seats, benches, or jump seats, all fitted with restraint systems to secure occupants during high-speed maneuvers.

The IAG Guardian 4×4 is engineered to deliver high-level ballistic and blast protection while ensuring superior mobility across diverse terrains, making it an ideal choice for both military and law enforcement missions.

— DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA