SHAH ALAM: Tarantula in Jakarta. Several Malaysian companies are taking part in the current IndoDefence Exhibition held in Jakarta starting on November 2. These companies are mostly participating in the Malaysian pavilion organised by the Defence Ministry’s Defence Industry Division.
Interestingly, headlining the pavilion is Mildef Technologies Sdn Bhd’s Tarantula 4X4 MRAP. Other companies at the pavilion include like Galaxy Aerospace Sdn Bhd, Deftech Unmanned Services Sdn Bhd, Cendana Auto Sdn Bhd and SPH Publications (the publisher of Perajurit and ADJ). Also taking part are the organisers of LIMA 23 and DSA 2024.
In the post 2023 budget, Malaysian Defence wrote that the Mildef Rentaka was chosen to be the 4X4 vehicle for the 136 armoured vehicles (Kenderaan Jenis A) for the Army. Following the post, I was told by various sources that it was the Tarantula that had been chosen instead of the Rentaka. These are the same people who had told me earlier that the Rentaka was developed to meet the Malaysian Army 4X4 KJA requirements.
However, as the contract has yet to be sign, a change of government especially one led by DS Anwar Ibrahim might flipped that decision. Even a government led by BN but not PM9 may well see changes as well. I guess, we have to wait and see then.
From Mildef website:
THE POWER FOR RECONNAISANCE OPERATION
MILDEF has successfully manufactured a Tarantula High Mobility Armoured Vehicle 4X4 (HMAV) that meets the current United Nations standard and specifications. The rear door design includes a hydraulic system making this fully armoured vehicle highly efficient. The ramp near the door allows the crew to enter and exit the vehicle without any risk of injury falling off.
The weapon platform for this vehicle uses RCWS (Remote Control Weapon Station), ensuring maximum protection for the gun operator. MILDEF acquired exclusive rights to use the Caterpillar Engine, one of the most robust and ruggedized engines in the market. This vehicle has been qualified with NATO’s Stanag 4569.
The composite armor is an ideal choice for ballistic protection with Stanag 4569 Level 2 Ballistic & Artillery. This vehicle uses mine-blasts attenuating seats, underbelly protection Stanag 4569 level 2B and hull protection Stanag 4569 level 2A. The power to weight ratio is 25hp/ton with maximum speed of 110kph.
It is interesting to note that Mildef website only listed three vehicles for its product line, namely, the Tarantula, the Iveco 6X6 Medium Recovery Vehicle and the 120mm mortar vehicle.
— Malaysian Defence
Which one between Rentaka & Tarantula actually? From your point of view which one suit Td’s requirement better for this contract? Or better go for PARS 4×4 that are currently being tested by TD
None
Any news about TUDM requirements for medium range air defence?
Likely in RMK13
Does anyone know the prediction for GE 15? Are they predicting a PH victory or BN retain?
Not that it matters unlike lots of countries with split in the left & right. All 3 of MY main coalition are pretty much centre-right In Ideology with left leaning economics policies.
No matter who we vote, they all just going to end up doing mostly the exact same thing.
Marhalim,
You mentioned the army wanting something smaller than a MRAP. This sounds bizarre as there is nothing smaller on the market [anything smaller would be the size of a Ferret] and anything smaller would not have the needed mobility, protection or carrying capacity for a section.
Yes but that is what they are supposed to be getting. It supposed to be a recon vehicle so there is no need to carry a section in it. I know there is no current vehicle the size of a Ferret nowadays
zaft – ”All 3 of MY main coalition are pretty much centre-right In Ideology with left leaning economics policies.”
All parties are populist ones and like all politicians they’re goal is to gain and maintain their hold on power. Irrespective of who’s the occupant in Putra Jaya the citizens will remain buggered and the MAF will continue to have to make do with a penny pinching budget and we’ll maintain out gagaland self defeating politically driven defence policy.
“citizens will remain buggered and the MAF will continue to have to make do with a penny pinching budget”
Afterall, Who wants to let go of their free healthcare when they believe there’s a prince charming out there that going to sweep in and save the damsels in distress.
“we’ll maintain out gagaland self defeating politically driven defence policy.”
Not like the Aussie, American or European are doing anything different.
“Yes but that is what they are supposed to be getting. It supposed to be a recon vehicle so there is no need to carry a section in it. I know there is no current vehicle the size of a Ferret nowadays”
Jaguar EBRC or JLTC?
Maybe get a Fennek: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fennek
On others, they have more money to spend than us and the economic of scale to do it. We don’t have that luxury
Zaft – “Jaguar EBRC or JLTC”
Are both any smaller than a Tarantula? No they aren’t…
Hafiz,
I’ve always had a soft spot for the Fennek but I have no idea if it’s still in production and we’ve never considered it. Something really small in Weasel. Personally if it’s a small and nimble recce platform we need; I’m inclined towards a Scorpion fitted with a 12.7mm but of course we can safely rule this option out. A major problem with recce vehicles isn’t just the size and profile but engine noise
Fennek is pars 4×4 i believe cockeril x1 but still in concept car
Dets – “Fennek is pars 4×4 i believe”
Fennek is a 1990’s German design and long operated.
On others, they have more money to spend than us and the economic of scale to do it. We don’t have that luxury
Economics of scale wise, The American sure.
The Aussie & European not so much.
The french has like 13 warships,the Aussie have 12. The french has 400ish 8×8 IFV while the Aussie has 200 Ish 8×8 IFV.
Still they have more money than us
This is in the modern world what is considered as a small armored vehicle with MRAP level of armor.
https://i0.wp.com/muchata.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/240871772_1047454352730766_1348096778224942706_n.jpg
In contrast the tarantula is way bigger and heavier than that.
The requirement is for a recce and convoy escort armored vehicle for Armor Corps Cavalry regiments. It needs to be small, protected and highly agile. So it does not need to carry infantry sections.
Zaft – ”The Aussie & European not so much.”
Whether it’s ”not so much” or ”much” a simple Google check will show that they still buy in numbers and have continuity. We don’t…. We buy a bit and then wait and see when we can buy more; i.e. the AV-8; arty; ships, aircraft, etc. Ultimately the Aussies and Europeans take defence far more seriously and have an existential threat.
zaft – ”The french has like 13 warships,the Aussie have 12. The french has 400ish 8×8 IFV while the Aussie has 200 Ish 8×8 IFV.”
This is not an almanac of yearly military balances where eveything is laid out neat to see on a glossy page.. The fact remains those countries have a different mindset towards defence; both on the part of the politicians and voters – history plays a big part.
Azlan as i understand fnss buying right to manufacture fennek that why dutch buy from them pars 4×4 can be say as a improve fennek they stop marketing fennek they try to selling pars 4×4
KC Wong – “The requirement is for a recce and convoy escort armored vehicle for Armor Corps Cavalry regiments”
I doubt if convoy escort is a main operational requirement. As for recce how one fits out a recce platform depends on individual requirement and also if a recce platform is supposed to fight for info or merely collect info and to avoid trouble at all costs.
KC Wong – ” It needs to be small, protected and highly agile. So it does not need to carry infantry sections.”
Depends what ones definition is of “protected”. If one desires a certain level of protection then a certain size/weight is required. As for “small” and “highly agile” may have been sound in the past but “small” and “agile” these days doesn’t stop auto cannon rounds or prevents detection by sensors. Remember that a vehicle has to survive to do its job and to survive it needs a decent level of protection.
KC Wong – “So it does not need to carry infantry sections”
Depends on how one goes about conducting recce – no fix rule. Also, a recce vehicle is supposed to have sensors and the ability to share info by means other than radio; too small a vehicle means there will be space and weight restrictions.
Note how different armies went about their recce needs; the Russians/Soviets with BRDMs,BMPs and MRAPs; the Brits with the Ferret, SAladin, Scorpion family and then Ajax; the Germans with Fennek and Weasel, the South Africans with Rooikat and the Americans with Bradley. All different approaches.