IDEX 2019: Rabdan 8x8 IFV with BMP-3 turret in service with UAE armed forces.

The new Rabdan 8x8 IFV Infantry Fighting Vehicle is now in service with the UAE (United Arab Emirates) armed forces. During the live demonstration for the opening ceremony of IDEX 2019, the defense exhibition held in Abu Dhabi, the Rabdan was unveiled to the public, fitted with a Russian-made BMP-3 turret.

The new Al Jasoor "Rabdan" IFV is fitted with a Russian-made BMP-3 turret. The vehicle is unveiled during the live demonstration of IDEX 2019, the defense exhibition held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on February 17, 2019 (Picture source: Army Recognition)

In 2016, Otokar Land Systems’ joint venture company Al Jasoor signed a significant 8x8 armored vehicle contract for UAE Armed Forces for RABDAN 8x8 Armoured Vehicles.

Some few years ago, the UAE armed forces have launched a request for a new combat vehicle to replace the BMP-3 with a more mobile 8x8 armored vehicle. The UAE is the largest international operator of BMP-3 IFVs: between 1992 and 2000, around 600 BMP-3s were delivered to the UAE.

According to first specifications released by the UAE Company Al Jasoor Heavy Vehicles Industries, the Rabdan has the capacity to carry a total of 12 military personnel including driver and commander. It has a gross vehicle weight ranging from 28,000 to 30,000 kg.

The Rabdan is motorized with a Caterpillar 12.5-liter diesel engine developing 600 hp coupled to an Allison 4500 automatic transmission with 6 forward and 1 reverse gears. The vehicle can reach 105 km/h with a maximum cruising range of 700 km.

The Rabdan offers ballistic protection up to STANAG Level 4 and mine protection up to STANAG Level 4a/b. The vehicle is fully amphibious; it can reach 10 km/h on water thanks to two propellers mounted under the hull rear.

The BMP-3 is fitted with a two-man turret armed with a 100mm 2A70 semi-automatic rifled gun/missile launcher, which is stabilized in two axes and can fire either 3UOF HE-FRAG rounds or 3UBK10 anti-tank guided missiles. Second armament includes one 30 mm 2A72 coaxial cannon and one 7.62 mm PKT coaxial machine gun.