At IDEX 2021, International Land Defense Exhibition in Abu Dhabi, UAE, AL JASOOR, the UAE's armored vehicle specialist and exclusive supplier of the Rabdan 8x8 Infantry Fighting Vehicle, announced its collaboration with EOS Defence Systems, a leading Australian technology company operating in space, defense and satellite communications markets. The partnership marks the first time a vehicle is fitted with the R800 remote weapon system.

Al Jasoor Rabdan 8x8 armored infantry fighting vehicle fitted with the EOS Defence Systems R800 remote weapon station at IDEX 2021, defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi, UAE. (Picture source Army Recognition)

The Rabdan is a new 8x8 wheeled infantry fighting vehicle based on the Turkish-made OTOKAR Arma 8x8 armored personnel carrier which was developed and designed for the UAE armed forces.

The announcement came just ahead of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX 2021) that is set to run at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre between 21 and 25 February. AL JASOOR's signature vehicle will take center-stage in highlighting the company's best-in-class offerings at the EDGE pavilion.

As the industry registers a global uptick for weapon stations that optimize full-size, medium-caliber turret capabilities without the limitations that large, cumbersome, and invasive structures may impose, EOS' R800 remote weapon system meets the growing demand for sophisticated armaments while setting new benchmarks for firepower that is significantly lighter than others in its category.

Employing the same interface as other EOS remote weapon systems, the R800 features modular state-of-the-art capabilities and boasts the added capacity to mount the Mk44S 30x173 mm cannon with dual ammunition feeds as well as a coaxially mounted machine gun and an anti-tank or air defense artillery missile package. The addition of the Mk44S allows the system to leverage the range and effectiveness of existing 30x173 mm ammunition.

As the name implies, the R800 weighs 800 kg with a traverse of 360° and an elevation from +55° to -30°. The remote weapon system is optimized for tracked and wheeled vehicles, such as the Rabdan 8x8, and features a direct-drive sensor unit that minimizes high-frequency road and vehicle vibration from degrading the operator video image. In addition, the remote weapon system is equipped with various sensors including a day camera, a thermal camera, and an eye-safe laser rangefinder.

Built to endure extreme environmental conditions and terrain, with capabilities that allow soldiers to operate and observe from a protected position using stabilized precision day and night optics and laser, the R800 can detect and engage targets from distances of up to 3 km with increased accuracy and reduced collateral damage.

Speaking on the occasion, Fahad Al Absi, CEO, AL JASOOR, said: "As a world-leader in remote weapon systems, EOS brings to the table decades of experience in manufacturing precision systems that are versatile in addressing the most exacting end-user demands. We are delighted to be the first in this class of vehicles to integrate the new generation R800 onto our Rabdan 8x8 fleet. We believe this synergy with EOS will mutually benefit our trusted business partners and stakeholders."

For his part, AbdulRahman AlBlooshi, CEO of EOS Advanced Technologies in UAE said: "EOS is proud to partner with AL JASOOR in bringing to market this enhanced next-generation remote weapon system. The R800 is an overall capable system that upgrades the armament capacity of vehicles without compromising payload or requiring the extensive modifications of a full turret system."

AL JASOOR works relentlessly to meet the nation's diverse armored vehicle requirements, with a strong vision for manufacturing land platforms in order to address the future needs of the UAE's domestic and export markets.

AL JASOOR is part of the Platforms & Systems cluster within EDGE, an advanced technology group for defense that ranks among the top 25 military suppliers in the world.