Senior Minister (Security Cluster) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob yesterday launched Malaysia's very first locally-designed and built high mobility vehicle (HMAV) 4x4, named the Tarantula.
The Tarantula was built by Mildef International Technologies, with a four-year research and development process costing RM16 million and involving 140 people.
Ismail Sabri said HMAV had passed its first round of rigorous evaluation testing at various training grounds throughout Malaysia.
These tests, he said, were conducted by teams from the Malaysian Army and Defence Science and Technology Research Institute (Stride) as well as Mildef, with driving duties performed by army personnel.
"The Tarantula was tested across nine days, with 700km of road testing and 300km off-road testing," he said.
During the test, the Tarantula HMAV 4X4 was subjected to various assessments such as highway endurance, fuel efficiency, load, winching, slope, mounting and dismounting, climbing and braking, including a fording test.
Ismail Sabri said the Defence Ministry will continue to focus more on the defence industry in the country, so the nation's experts and companies can develop Malaysia's own weapons and would not need to rely on other countries in the future.
"Today, we proved that Malaysians can," he said at a press conference after the launch, held at Wisma Perwira Tentera Darat at Kem Perdana Sungai Besi, here.
With the ability to travel across varied terrain, and achieve speeds of over 110km/h, the Tarantula HMAV 4x4 was built grounded on a modular platform, and can be prepared with basic to high-end specifications, as well as customised to meet specifications needed for each country's request.
Equipped with state-of-the-art artillery, grenade, and mine blast functions, the weapon platform for this vehicle uses a remote control weapon station, enabling the vehicle to fire 360 degrees while on the move.
Ismail Sabri explained that the HMAV was named "Tarantula" inspired by the large spider's ability to cleverly adapt to its surroundings, and it has also been known to kill other animals bigger than it.
He said the initiative had demonstrated the technological and engineering skills of Malaysian companies, adding that Malaysians had already produced their own bullets, aircraft components, and was also in the midst of building our own warship.
To encourage more Malaysian companies to participate in the defence industry, Ismail Sabri gave his assurance that the Defence Ministry would prioritise locally-made military equipment in any ministry procurements.
"We have not made any purchase offers (for the Tarantula), but locally-made equipment would have the advantage to receive contracts first, subject to other requirements.
"For example, if a locally-made military equipment receives the same marks in terms of quality and technology as an imported one, then the Malaysian-made equipment will be given an advantage," he added.
Mildef, he said, had the capability of producing 40 Tarantula HMAVs in a year, and had so far attracted interest from countries in the Middle East.
At the event, Ismail Sabri also launched the Tarantula's official logo, resembling a Malay keris.
Also present were Defence Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Muez Abdul Aziz, Armed Forces chief General Tan Sri Affendi Buang, Army chief General Tan Sri Zamrose Mohd Zain, Royal Malaysian Navy chief Admiral Tan Sri Mohd Reza Mohd Sany, Royal Malaysian Air Force chief General Tan Sri Ackbal Abdul Samad.
Representing Mildef International Technologies were its advisor, Tan Sri Raja Mohamed Affandi Raja Mohamed Noor (R) and Mildef chief executive officer Datuk Seri Mohd Nizam Kasa.