During the IDEF 2019 exhibition held in Istanbul, the Turkish defence company FNSS Savunma Sistemleri presented a CBRN-RECCE variant of its AV-8 Gempita armoured, wheeled vehicle, which was developed for the Royal Malaysian Army in partnership with the local DRB HICOM Defence Technologies Sdn Bhd (IDEF2019: FNSS presents MAV Zaha, 2019-05-02). 

It’s worth mentioning that Malaysian AV-8 Gempita armoured, wheeled vehicles are being equipped with the TOPAZ internal communication systems provided by the Polish WB Electronics company / Picture: Michal Jarocki

It’s worth mentioning that Malaysian AV-8 Gempita armoured, wheeled vehicles are being equipped with the TOPAZ internal communication systems provided by the Polish WB Electronics company / Picture: Michal Jarocki

The CBRN-RECCE variant of AV-8 Gempita armoured, wheeled vehicle was designed by FNSS and DRB HICOM Defence Technologies in response to the Malaysian Army’s requirement for a wheeled platform capable of performing a wide range of tasks, including reconnaissance operations as well as detection and classification of various chemical, biological, radioactive or nuclear agents. AV-8 Gempita is being equipped with the TOPAZ internal communication systems provided by the Polish WB Electronics company

Currently, the vehicle, the first of four in this variant, which will be delivered to Malaysian Army, is undergoing a series of qualification trials. Their first stage, which included performance and CBRN equipment tests, has already been concluded in Turkey. Subsequently, the platform has undergone endurance trials in Malaysia. Vehicle’s delivery is expected in the first half of 2019. 

Malaysian Army has a requirement for nearly 260 AV-8 Gempita 8×8 armoured, wheeled vehicles, which will be delivered in 12 variants. According to FNSS’ representatives, Malaysian customer has already taken delivery of at least 130 AV-8 platforms, with the positive outcome of their operational usage.