DSA 2026: Malaysian firm showcases 4×4 infantry combat vehicle

Arif Niaga Resources' ICV is displayed at DSA 2026 in Kuala Lumpur. (Janes/Sohini Mandal)

Malaysian company Arif Niaga Resources displayed its 4×4 infantry combat vehicle (ICV) built in collaboration with Chinese vehicle manufacturer Dongfeng Mengshi at Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2026 exhibition held in Kuala Lumpur from 20 to 23 April.

Arif Niaga Resources managing director Nik Arifah Nik Mahmood told Janes that the ICV was built following a technology transfer from Dongfeng. It is designed to be operated by a crew comprising a driver, a co‑driver, and troops, Mahmood added.

If selected for procurement, vehicle components will be supplied from China for local assembly in Malaysia during the initial phase of the programme.

“For the first phase, we do local assembly,” Mahmood said, adding that the company aims to achieve up to 60% localisation at a later stage.

According to the Arif Niaga Resources director Shaifullizan Bin Abd Aziz, the vehicle underwent trials with Malaysian military in September 2025. He added that the programme is now awaiting the issuance of a formal tender later in 2026.

Aziz said that the proposed vehicle is not intended to replace the Malaysian Army's Gempita armoured fighting vehicle fleet but would instead serve as an additional capability. He identified the intended end-users as infantry units within the Malaysian Army, including the subunits under the Royal Malay Regiment.

According to the company's product literature, the vehicle can carry a payload of 1,800 kg and features a modular weapon mount on the roof.

For more, please see:

Cendana Auto to supply 4×4 vehicles in different configurations to Malaysian Army and JFC