ASELSAN to equip Malaysian Army’s new Tarantula armored vehicles with advanced systems for improved operational effectiveness.

At Lima 2025 in Langkawi, Malaysia, the Turkish company Aselsan signed a series of agreements with Malaysian companies to formalize strategic cooperation in defense technology development, production, and integration. These agreements include two teaming arrangements and a memorandum of understanding (MoU), aimed at expanding Aselsan’s partnerships with Malaysia’s defense industry.
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In 2024, the Malaysian Army selected the Mildef Tarantula HMAV as its new armored vehicle, with a total of 136 units planned for acquisition. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The signings took place during the exhibition and were attended by officials from both the Malaysian and Turkish defense sectors. The agreements cover a range of collaborative areas, including joint system development, joint production, and the delivery of integrated defense technologies, reflecting Aselsan’s current strategy in the region.

One of the teaming agreements was concluded with Sapura Secured Technologies and involves cooperation on joint product development, co-production, and national cryptology capabilities in military communication systems. This collaboration focuses on enhancing secure communication infrastructure and cryptographic expertise through shared industrial work. A second teaming agreement was signed with Mildef International Technologies, outlining plans to integrate Aselsan’s remote-controlled weapon systems, communication systems, electro-optical technologies, and command-and-control solutions into Tarantula armored vehicles used by the Malaysian Army. The systems to be integrated are intended to support operational functionality and are part of a broader effort to equip the land forces with locally implemented technologies.

In 2024, the Malaysian Army selected the Mildef Tarantula HMAV as its new armored vehicle, with a total of 136 units planned for acquisition. Developed by Mildef International Technologies in cooperation with the Science Technology Research Institute for Defence (STRIDE) and the Malaysian Armed Forces, the Tarantula is a 4×4 mine-resistant armored personnel carrier equipped with a V-hull to enhance protection against mines and improvised explosive devices. First launched in 2021, the vehicle is designed to reduce reliance on foreign-made platforms and incorporates 70% local content. Weighing 14 tonnes in combat configuration and powered by a 330 hp Caterpillar engine, the Tarantula can reach a top speed of 110 km/h and accommodates a crew of up to ten personnel. Its protection levels meet NATO STANAG 4569 Level 2A and 2B standards for ballistic and mine resistance, and its armament includes a 12.7mm remote-controlled weapon station with integrated smoke grenade dischargers. A second prototype tailored to Malaysian Army requirements was revealed in 2024, with a reduced weight of 12 tonnes and additional modifications.

Aselsan also signed an agreement with Ventura IOT to design and develop pipeline security systems tailored to the operational needs and requirements of the Malaysian Army. The project involves cooperation in conceptualization, design, and technical integration of pipeline monitoring and protection technologies. The security solutions under development are expected to address the specific parameters set by the Malaysian Armed Forces, focusing on infrastructure protection in military contexts. These three cooperation initiatives—covering communications, vehicle systems, and infrastructure security—represent a targeted approach to Malaysian defense priorities through bilateral industrial partnerships.

In addition to formalizing agreements, Aselsan is exhibiting a wide array of systems and products at Lima 2025. The company is presenting remote-controlled weapon systems, close-in defense solutions, unmanned surface vehicles, sonar equipment, and torpedo countermeasure systems. Its offerings for unmanned aerial vehicle platforms include electro-optical sensors, electronic warfare components, precision-guided munitions, and guidance kits. Radar systems, air defense capabilities, and communication and avionics technologies are also featured at the exhibition. The portfolio being displayed reflects a multi-domain approach, including technologies applicable across land, air, and maritime operations.

Ahmet Akyol, president and CEO of Aselsan, commented that the company’s presence at Lima 2025 is part of its current strategy to expand defense cooperation with local industry actors and develop technological capabilities in coordination with partner nations. He stated that collaboration with Malaysian companies aims to contribute to regional defense capacity through the joint development of applicable systems. These agreements at Lima 2025 follow previous collaborative efforts by Aselsan in Southeast Asia and indicate continued engagement with the region’s defense industries.