Article Posted on : - Jun 06, 2011

The new DEFTECH AV-8 8x8 combat vehicles will be based on PARS 8x8 multi-purpose, multi-mission, wheeled armoured vehicle.

ARLINGTON (BNS): FNSS of Turkey, a joint venture between BAE Systems and Nurol Holding of Turkey, has received $559 million from a Malaysian firm for helping in designing and developing an indigenous 8x8 wheeled armourded vehicle for the Malaysian Army.

The new vehicles, to be designed, developed and manufactured by DEFTECH in Malaysia with assistance from FNSS, will be based on the FNSS-designed PARS 8x8 multi-purpose, multi-mission, wheeled armoured vehicle.

A total of 257 such vehicles will be produced and would be called DEFTECH AV-8 8x8 wheeled armoured vehicles.

“This effort will not only benefit the Malaysian Army, but will also further develop the indigenous capability in Malaysia,” said John Kelly, vice president of exports and international business for BAE Systems’ Land & Armaments sector.

“BAE Systems, Inc. actively looks to support FNSS in its ambition to market its land vehicle expertise globally.”

Malaysia’s AV-8 8x8 armoured wheeled vehicle programme involves local design, development and manufacture of the vehicle, as well as the integrated logistic support.

FNSS will provide technical assistance and technology transfer to enable DEFTECH to produce the vehicles in Malaysia.

The AV-8 will be Malaysia’s first indigenous 8x8 armored wheeled vehicle family consisting of 12 variants, for use by the Malaysian Army.

FNSS and DEFTECH have previously delivered 211 ADNAN Armored Combat Vehicles (ACV) and 8 120mm ACV Mortar Carriers to the Malaysian Army and are now about to complete the deliveries of 48 additional ADNAN ACVs under a separate contract, BAE said.