13 April 2022

DSA 2022: Deftech showcases AV8 mortar version

by Shivanand B M

The AMC version of Deftech's AV8 will be delivered to Malaysian Army later in 2022. (Jon Grevatt/Janes)

Malaysian firm Deftech showcased an armoured mortar carrier (AMC) version of its 8×8 AV8 armoured vehicle at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2022 exhibition held in Kuala Lumpur from 28 to 31 March.

An AMC prototype displayed at the exhibition was fitted with a 120 mm rifled recoiled mounted mortar and a 7.62×51 mm machine gun.

A Deftech official told Janes that the AMC has undergone extensive testing, including weapons evaluations, before its induction into the Malaysian Army later in 2022.

The AMC has a power-to-weight ratio of 18.7±0.2 hp/ton per combat weight and incorporates a nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) protection system. The vehicle has a combat weight carrying capacity of 29.2 tons.

The AMC has NATO Standardization Agreement (STANAG) 4569 Level 2 ballistic protection overhead, and mine protection at STANAG 4569 Level 3a and 2b. The vehicle is also fitted with an anti-mine blast seat and is able to sustain a speed of 30 km/h up over a range of 50 km with flat tyres.

The vehicle's communication system features a tactical very high frequency (VHF) radio, a high frequency (HF) radio, and an intercom system.

The AMC's mounted mortar system, which weighs 1,700 kg, has an effective range of 8.5 km and 15 km with rocket assist. The system, which features five ready rounds and 56 in stow, is controlled by hand through a display unit and can be operated manually in the event of electrical failure.

Already a Janes subscriber? Read the full article via the Client Login
Interested in subscribing, see What we do