Malaysian Peacekeepers Transition to PANTHERA 4x4 Armored Vehicles in Lebanon.

The Malaysian Ministry of Defense has bolstered its operational capabilities in Lebanon by acquiring 20 PANTHERA 4x4 armored vehicles. Valued at RM190 million, these vehicles were procured from Turkish manufacturer Nurol Makina, replacing the older CONDOR models previously used by Malaysian peacekeepers. The transition to the PANTHERA 4x4, also known as Ejder Yalchin, signifies a significant equipment update for the Malaysian Battalion (MALBATT) serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
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The PANTHERA vehicles, weigh 12-14 tons, carry 11 soldiers, reach 110 km/h, have a 600 km range, and can be equipped with heavy weaponry, making them versatile for peacekeeping (Picture source: Malaysian Joint Forces Command)

The Malaysian Armed Forces Joint Forces Headquarters disclosed via social media that MALBATT has received the new vehicles and has already begun deploying them. This update coincided with a visit to Camp Marakah in Lebanon by Major General Dato’ Hj Fazal bin Hj Abdul Rahman, Chief of Staff of the Joint Forces Headquarters, who reviewed the final acceptance tests of the vehicles and an adaptation course for the peacekeepers.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) was established in 1978 to oversee the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon, restore peace and security, and assist the Lebanese government in regaining authority in southern Lebanon. Currently, UNIFIL includes around 10,000 military personnel contributed by various countries, among which Malaysian peacekeepers play a significant role. Malaysia contributes a substantial contingent to UNIFIL, with over 800 soldiers deployed in the region. These troops are heavily involved in peacekeeping operations, helping to maintain a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel and supporting local communities.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin had earlier informed the Parliament that the PANTHERA vehicles would be deployed by April 2024, following successful final acceptance tests in early March.

First introduced in Malaysia in 2018, the PANTHERA vehicles have been rigorously tested against several competitors. A final configuration review acceptance was signed at the DSA 2022 exhibition with Nurol Makina and the local company NADI Corp. These vehicles, weighing between 12 to 14 tons and capable of carrying a payload of up to 4 tons, are designed to transport up to 11 fully armed soldiers.

With a 300-horsepower engine, the PANTHERA can reach speeds of up to 110 km/h and has an operational range of 600 km. They can also be equipped with heavy machine guns and automatic grenade launchers, enhancing their versatility in peacekeeping missions.

Defense News April 2024