EDEX 2018: AAV introduces anti-tank variant of the Wrangler TJL tactical.

The Chinese version of the 9M14 Malyutka Anti-Tank Guided Missile variant, the HJ-73 mounted on the Jeep Wrangler TJL 4x4 light tactical vehicle has been introduced at EDEX 2018 by the local company AAV. 

The Wrangler TJL-mounted with the HJ-73, Chinese-made of Russian 9M14 Malyutka anti-tank guided missile system
(Picture source Army Recognition)

While unnamed, this Wrangler TJL Anti-Tank Variant showcased at EDEX 2018 is fitted with a specific mounting weapons system allowing integration of various anti-tank or anti-aircraft missile systems, such as the Milan and the 9M14 Malyutka presented at the show.

The 9K11 Malyutka (NATO name: AT-3 Sagger), is a Russian made wire-guided anti-tank missile equipped with a shaped-charge high explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead. This missile is capable of engaging targets at ranges of 500 to 3,000 meters and can penetrate over 400 mm of armour. Its light weight allows integration on light tactical vehicles, such as the Safir produced in Iran by the Fath Vehicle Industries company.

Besides the 9M14 Malyutka integration, AAV is also working on mounting missile systems and machine guns on the YJL, CJ6 and CJ7 Jeep models. The 9M14 Malyutka ATGM is also being fitted on the Fahd armoured vehicle, while the Milan will be mounted on a Hummer 4x4 vehicle.

The Wrangler TJL was designed at the request of the Egyptian Armed Forces, which contracted AAV to build 1,000 copies of the Wrangler-based 4x4. The TJL is a stretched variant of the leagcy Wrangler TJ vehicle. The TJL showcased at EDEX 2018 adopts a pick-up design with an enclosed cab and an open cargo area with low sides and tailgate. It has a payload capacity of about 1 ton, meaning that it can be fitted with a wide range of weapons.

AAV is a joint venture between DaimlerChrysler and the Egyptian government. DaimlerChrysler holds a 49 percent share in the company, which was founded in 1977 with the purpose of assembling Jeep vehicles in Egypt. AAV has been building a version of the XJ Cherokee since 1992 and is currently building the Jeep Liberty for sale in Egypt.

AAV produced a wide range of Jeep brands, such as CJ6, CJ7, CJ8, J20, Wagoneer, AM720, Wrangler, and Cherokee with a total number of 40655 vehicles as of May 2009.