Malaysia tests Turkish FNSS Pars IV SOV 6x6 armored vehicle for special operations use.

As reported by Malaysia Military Review on March 2, 2025, a team from Malaysia recently conducted firepower tests on the FNSS 6x6 Special Operation Vehicle (SOV) in Türkiye. The tests focused on evaluating the performance of the vehicle's stabilized weapon systems produced by Aselsan. This trial differs from previous assessments conducted in Malaysia on other FNSS 6x6 platforms, including earlier tests of the Pars 4x4 and Pars 6x6 by the Malaysian Army in 2022.
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The FNSS Pars IV 6x6 Special Operations Vehicle is equipped with stabilized remote-controlled weapon stations, allowing engagement of elevated targets such as those positioned on buildings or high terrain. (Picture source: FNSS)

The FNSS Pars IV 6x6 Special Operations Vehicle is designed for military and internal security forces conducting specialized missions. It integrates mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) features with enhanced mobility, allowing it to operate in different terrains. The vehicle includes ballistic, mine, and improvised explosive device (IED) protection, along with an advanced suspension system that improves maneuverability in both urban and cross-country environments. It is fitted with an RPG net and modular armor for additional protection.

The vehicle is equipped with two remote-controlled weapon stations capable of mounting 12.7mm machine guns, 7.62mm machine guns, or 40mm automatic grenade launchers. These weapons are stabilized, allowing engagement of elevated targets such as those positioned on buildings or high terrain. The vehicle incorporates a 360-degree situational awareness system and a battlefield management system to enhance operational coordination. Its powertrain includes a fully automatic transmission with seven forward and two reverse gears, enabling a top speed of over 100 km/h and an operational range exceeding 700 km.

The FNSS Pars series originates from a development collaboration between Türkiye and the United States in the early 2000s. The vehicle family consists of 4x4, 6x6, and 8x8 variants, emphasizing modularity, mobility, and protection. The Pars platform has been tested in desert and harsh conditions and presented at international defense exhibitions. It has been adopted by multiple countries, including Oman, Libya, and Türkiye, with the Pars 8x8 being considered for Malaysia's indigenous armored vehicle program, which later resulted in the AV8 Gempita.

Malaysia’s collaboration with FNSS includes the AV8 Gempita program. The DefTech AV8 Gempita, an 8x8 armored vehicle developed with FNSS technology, has been in service with the Malaysian Army since 2014. A total of 257 units were produced locally by DefTech in Malaysia. The vehicle has multiple configurations, including infantry fighting, armored personnel transport, tank destruction, signals intelligence, and battlefield recovery. The AV8 supports modular turret and weapon configurations, such as the Denel LCT-30mm turret, Sharpshooter 25mm cannon, ZT3 Ingwe anti-tank guided missiles, and a 120mm 2R2M mortar system. Its composite aluminum and steel armor, with modular armor panels, provides protection up to STANAG 4569 Level 4.

The AV8 program began in June 2011 with an agreement between FNSS and DefTech for design and production. The first prototype was introduced in 2013, with initial deliveries to the Malaysian Army starting in 2014. The vehicle provides protection against 14.5mm armor-piercing rounds, and its amphibious capability enables it to cross water obstacles at a reduced speed of 6 km/h. The AV8 has been delivered in 12 different variants, including command vehicles, armored ambulances, and engineering reconnaissance vehicles. Malaysia has also conducted trials of the AV8 in Saudi Arabia for potential export. The continued evaluation of FNSS vehicles, including the latest tests in Türkiye, reflects Malaysia’s ongoing efforts to enhance its armored vehicle capabilities and its continued defense partnership with FNSS.