SEPANG: Mildef International Technologies Sdn Bhd (Mildef) is confident of securing military orders from both local and international markets with the unveiling of its 4X4 high mobility armoured vehicle named HMAV4X4.
Chief executive officer Datuk Seri Mohd Nizam Kasa said Mildef's foray into a combat vehicle development had signified local capability to manufacture armoured vehicle for all terrains with diverse military applications.
The vehicle has about 70 per cent local content (chassis, body and engine system) and 30 per cent (axle, six-speed transmission and engine) foreign content.
Mildef has over 140 staff comprising electrical, mechanical, electronic and weapon engineers and technicians to build the HMAV4X4.
"This is our first prototype pending approval from the Defence Ministry if we want to supply locally. We also have Asean countries awaiting for this vehicle next year.
"We have received confirmed orders of more than 100 units from foreign customers. We plan to promote this vehicle in the first quarter of 2022," he said at the official unveiling ceremony event of Mildef HMAV4x4, here today.
Mohd Nizam said Mildef was scheduled to export the vehicle in a complete-knocked down (CKD) form while transferring up to 40 per cent of its technology to foreign customers with the potential markets in Asean and the Middle East.
He said Malaysia had existing fleet of ageing RPZ Condor 4X4 (300 units) and Mildef was considering to bid for the replacement fleet.
"We are not sure of the government's procurement for our vehicle but we have to do a proof of concept to the military before it can be deployed for services," he said.
Mohd Nizam said Mildef had spent about RM16 million to design and develop the HMAV4X4 prototype in the last four years.
"We rely too much on international suppliers, which will become an issue in term of after-sales support for the army service," he said.
Mohd Nizam said Malaysia needed to manufacture its own 4X4 armoured vehicles to resolve the after-sales support issue.
Mildef had realised this with its capability to build the vehicle in 2016, he said.
"The improvement in technology in manufacturing sector is also one of the reasons for this development.
"Our challenge is to demonstrate to the industry and its players that Malaysian company can successfully design and develop a vehicle capable of fast fording in choppy seas, landing safely, travelling across varied terrain," he said.
Equipped with a 7.2-litre single-turbocharged engine diesel, the HMAV4X4 produces 330hp and 1,116Nm of torque.
The 14-tonne vehicle can achieve speeds of over 110km/h, perform impactful combat missions and effectively protect its crew.
"We have been assisted by the Malaysia Defence Agency (STRIDE) and the Malaysian Armed Forces to help us validate the design and development according to the Military Standard application.
"After years of intensive work, we have built two prototype units and they are ready for our trials," he added.
The armoured vehicle is a modular platform prepared from basic to high-end specification and can be customised following the specifications for each country that requests for its application.
Equipped with artillery, grenade and mine blast functions, the weapon platform for the vehicle uses Remote Control Weapon Station (RCWS), enabling it to fire throughput 360 degrees while manoeuvring.
Protecting the gunner while shooting a target using a remote control and a display for the gunner's aid, this appliance will ensure the gunner is safe and protected inside the armoured vehicle.
The vehicle is also equipped with underbelly protection Stanag 4569 Level 2B and hull protection Stanag 4569 Level 2 to protect the crew inside the vehicle.
The company has contracted Caterpillar to provide the engine with robust, technologically advanced and ruggedised earthmoving powertrain.