The Armed Forces of UAE Are Expecting Its First Rabdan

The Armed Forces of UAE Are Expecting Its First Rabdan

PARIS, France (BulgarianMilitary.com), June 21, 2018, Author: Bm Team, Photo: Defence Blog

This year the Armed Forces of the United Arab Emirates expect to receive and field its first Rabdan IFV (Infantry Fighting Vehicle), reported Defence Blog.

The Rabdan IFV has been purchased from the developer of the amphibious vehicle – Al Jasoor, which is a joint venture between Heavy Vehicles Industries – a fully owned subsidiary of Tawazun Holding, the UAE and Otokar Land Systems UAE – a fully owned subsidiary of Otokar, Turkey. Details concerning the deal and manufacturing process were revealed to journalists at Eurosatory 2018.

The Rabdan is an 8×8 wheeled armoured vehicle based on the Arma 8×8 of Otokar and developed after the specific requirements of the Armed Forces of the United Arab Emirates.

In accordance with the revealed specifications, the Rabdan IFV can transport military personnel of 12 members including the driver and the commander. Its minimum gross weight is 28,000 kg, and the maximum one is 30,000 kg.

The Rabdan features a Caterpillar 12.5 liters diesel engine, which develops 600 hp. coupled to an Allison 4500 automatic transmission with 6 forward and 1 reverse gears. The maximum speed, which may be reached by the vehicle on land is 105 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 700 km.

The ballistic protection provided by the Rabdan is up to STANAG Level 4 and the mine protection – up to STANAG Level 4a/b.

The vehicle is fully amphibious and propelled in the water with the possibility of speeding up to 10 km/h thanks to 2 propellers, mounted under the hull rear. This capability could be optional as well.