Mildef to supply Tarantula vehicles to Malaysian Armed Forces

The Tarantula HMAV, seen here at the DSA 2022 defence exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, is powered by a 330 hp 7.2 litre Caterpillar diesel engine. (Janes/Jon Grevatt)

Malaysian firm Mildef International Technologies will supply 178 Tarantula 4×4 High Mobility Armoured Vehicles (HMAVs) to the Malaysian Armed Forces, a Mildef official told Janes on 7 August. The official added that delivery of the vehicles will start from 2024.

Mildef showcased its Tarantula HMAV at the DSA 2022 defence exhibition in Kuala Lumpur. Company officials told Janes at the exhibition that the Malaysian Armed Forces were looking to lease Tarantulas, with the contract scheduled to be awarded in 2023. The Mildef official has not confirmed whether the order for the 178 Tarantulas is for lease or purchase.

According to Mildef, Tarantula is powered by a 330 hp 7.2 litre Caterpillar diesel engine. It has a maximum onroad speed of 110 km/h and can carry up to 10 personnel including the driver and commander. It is also integrated with a Reutech remotely operated 12.7 mm machine gun.

The vehicle's composite armour provides protection up to NATO Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 4569 Level 2 and it is equipped with mineblast attenuating seats, underbelly protection of STANAG 4569 Level 2B, and hull protection of STANAG 4569 Level 2A.

The vehicle weighs 16 tonnes when loaded and 14 tonnes when unloaded. It has a length, width, and height of 6.3 m, 2.5 m, and 3 m, respectively.

Mildef officials told Janes at the exhibition that a new version of the Tarantula is also being designed, which will feature “heavier” weaponry and is expected to be unveiled in two years.