Egypt unveils locally-made Sena 200 IFV at EDEX 2023.

At EDEX 2023, the Egyptian Ministry of Military Products unveiled a new tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) named Sena 200. The Egyptian mechanized forces currently operate 390 YPR-765 and 300 BMP-1 IFVs, making the introduction of the first locally-made Sena 200 a noteworthy addition to their arsenal.
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Derived from the BMP-1, the Sena 200 offers significant armoring improvements, including a Level 3 mine protection capability (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Derived from the BMP-1 but distinguished by its complete design and development in Egypt, the Sena 200 is claimed to offer substantial improvements, including a significantly higher ballistic protection level classified as all-around Level 4 according to STANAG 4579 standards. The mine protection capability of the Sena 200 is declared as Level 3, with a ground clearance of 360 mm. The under-track or under-belly specifics were not specified, but the blast effects on personnel are mitigated through energy-absorbing seats.

This represents a notable enhancement compared to the BMP-1, particularly in terms of mine protection—an aspect that was lacking in the Soviet-origin vehicle, as demonstrated in Ukraine.

The Sena 200 can be equipped with additional nets to provide extra protection against rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), which can be installed on each side of the vehicle. The nets, made of aramid fibers reinforced with steel masses, are said to achieve an 85% probability of protection.

The vehicle's layout includes a driver's seat at the front-left, featuring a digital cockpit compatible with a night vision goggle (NVG), while the 360 hp diesel engine is located on the right. The commander is behind the engine compartment and could use a Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS) control console. The troop compartment accommodates up to six soldiers in two rows of three centrally-mounted seats, allowing personnel to face outward for the utilization of individual weapons, in line with the Egyptian Army doctrine.

In terms of dimensions and weight, the Sena 200 has a combat weight of 14 tonnes, measuring 6.1 m in length, 3.04 m in width, and 1.88 m in height without the main armament. The 360 hp diesel engine allows a top speed of 65 km/h on roads and 45 km/h off-road. The suspension is based on torsion bars with shock absorbers, and the tracks are made of solid steel with rubber pads.

According to the information available, the Egyptian Ministry of Military Products has produced the first three Sena 200 vehicles, showcasing different configurations at exhibitions. The exhibited vehicle at the EDEX 2023 exhibition featured the Eagle 1 RCWS from Arab International Optronics (AIO), while another variant was presented as a combat support vehicle with a one-man turret armed with a 30 mm cannon.

The Eagle 1 Remote Controlled Weapon Station (RCWS), designed for installation on various armored vehicles, is configurable with different weapons, including 5.56 mm, 7.62 mm, 12.7 mm, and 14.5 mm calibers. It has a weight of 185 kg, excluding both the weapon and ammunition.

The Sena 200 is proposed in various configurations, including infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), ambulance, missile launcher, mortar carrier, signal vehicle, command and control vehicle, ammunition carrier, logistic transporter, and electronic warfare vehicle. According to the information available, the production contract has been signed, and the Abu Zaabal Tank Repair Factory, also known as Factory 200, under the Ministry of Military Products, is currently in the production planning phase, although specific production numbers have not been disclosed.