Flash News: UAE's Calidus Enters IFV Armored Vehicle Market with First Contract for Wahash 8×8 IFV.

During the International Defence Exhibition & Conference IDEX 2025, held in Abu Dhabi, UAE (United Arab Emirates), from February 17-21, Emirati defense company Calidus Land Systems secured a major contract valued at USD 642.5 million for the production of its Wahash 8×8 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). The deal was announced by Tawazun Council, the UAE’s primary procurement agency for the UAE Armed Forces, marking a significant milestone in the company’s history. Although the precise number of units to be delivered was not disclosed, the contract’s size reflects Calidus' growing influence in the region’s defense sector.
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Calidus Wahash 8×8 IFV with BMP-3 Turret on Display at IDEX 2025, Showcasing Advanced Firepower and Versatility. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Calidus Land Systems is an Emirati defense company that has rapidly established itself as a leader in the UAE’s (United Arab Emirates) defense industry. Founded in 2007 as part of the larger Calidus Group, the company has quickly gained a reputation for designing and producing advanced military systems, ranging from armored vehicles to missile systems. With a focus on indigenous defense capabilities, Calidus aims to reduce the UAE’s dependency on foreign suppliers and strengthen its defense manufacturing capabilities.

Calidus is also a significant player in the Tawazun Economic Program, an initiative designed to foster local defense industrial capabilities and promote technology transfer within the UAE. Through strategic partnerships and investments in research and development, Calidus has made substantial strides in the development of key military platforms. This is exemplified by the Wahash IFV, which marks the company’s first major international contract and a clear indication of its growing presence in the global defense market.

The Wahash 8×8 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) is a product of years of innovation, design, and testing, embodying Calidus' ambition to create a modern, highly capable armored vehicle tailored to the specific needs of the UAE Armed Forces. The vehicle’s development began in the early 2010s as part of the UAE’s strategic drive to enhance its defense capabilities with locally produced platforms. Built on the lessons learned from previous UAE military vehicle programs, the Wahash was designed to be a versatile, multi-role vehicle with excellent mobility, firepower, and protection.

The original Wahash was designed to feature amphibious capabilities, allowing it to cross water obstacles, making it well-suited for operations in desert and coastal environments. Its mobility is powered by a 724-horsepower engine and advanced suspension system, enabling the vehicle to traverse a variety of terrains, including steep gradients and wide trenches. The vehicle’s base design was initially optimized for the UAE’s harsh climate and operational requirements.

In terms of firepower, the Wahash IFV can be equipped with a range of armaments, including a 30mm automatic cannon and anti-tank guided missiles, such as the Al Heda, which has a range of up to 10 kilometers. This gives the vehicle a significant edge in anti-armor and anti-infantry engagements. Protection was another key design focus, with the Wahash providing enhanced ballistic armor and options for integrating active protection systems to counter incoming threats.

At IDEX 2025, the Calidus Wahash 8×8 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) was prominently displayed, fitted with a Russian-made BMP-3 turret. This powerful armament system is equipped with a 30mm 2A72 automatic cannon, capable of delivering high firepower in combat situations, alongside a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun for enhanced suppression capabilities. The turret also includes an automatic loader and is complemented by a 100mm rifled gun designed for firing high-explosive anti-tank rounds, providing the Wahash with excellent anti-armor and anti-infantry capabilities. The integration of the BMP-3 turret showcases the Wahash’s versatility, combining Russian-designed firepower with the robust, locally engineered mobility and protection features of the vehicle.

Calidus Unveils the Wahash Light Infantry Fighting Vehicle (LIFV) at IDEX 2025, Offering a Lighter, More Agile Variant for Modern Combat. (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

At IDEX 2025, the Wahash 8×8 was presented alongside the new Wahash Light Infantry Fighting Vehicle (LIFV), a scaled-down version of the original. The LIFV maintains many of the key features of the Wahash but is more compact and optimized for lighter roles. The LIFV is slightly smaller at 8 meters in length and 2.4 meters in height, compared to the standard Wahash’s 8.5 meters and 3.1 meters height.

While the standard Wahash retains amphibious capabilities, the LIFV is designed for land-based operations, making it ideal for regions where amphibious traversal is not a priority. The LIFV is equipped with the Nefer unmanned turret, which is armed with a 30mm 2A42 autocannon and a 7.62mm coaxial machine gun. Additionally, the LIFV can be equipped with the Al Heda anti-tank missile launcher, enhancing its anti-armor capabilities. The vehicle’s lightweight design, with a combat weight of around 27,000 kg, ensures that it is highly mobile and adaptable to various operational scenarios.

One of the most significant upgrades in the LIFV variant is the unmanned turret. This removes the need for a traditional turret basket, freeing up internal space and allowing for a more streamlined design. The vehicle’s design also incorporates a full windscreen, which provides the driver and commander with nearly 180° of visibility, improving situational awareness during combat.

Securing this landmark AED 2.36 billion contract is a major achievement for Calidus, marking its successful entry into the ranks of global defense suppliers. With the Wahash 8×8 and its variants, Calidus is positioning itself as a significant player in the defense industry, not only in the UAE but also on the global stage. The vehicle’s versatility, firepower, and protection features make it an attractive option for other countries looking to modernize their armored vehicle fleets.

The UAE Armed Forces, having long been advocates of indigenization in defense procurement, now have a locally designed and produced armored vehicle that meets their exact needs. The Wahash also aligns with broader UAE defense strategies, enhancing its deterrence capabilities and supporting its regional security objectives.

Looking ahead, the Wahash 8×8 IFV and the LIFV variant are expected to play a central role in the UAE’s future defense strategy. With Calidus continuing to innovate and expand its product line—such as the development of the Lahab 155mm self-propelled howitzer—the company is well-positioned to become a key contributor to the UAE’s defense capabilities, further cementing its reputation as a homegrown defense giant.