Partner 2019: TRB unveils serial production of its Despot 4x4 armored vehicle MRAP


The Company TRB from Bosnia and Herzegovina unveils production vehicle of its Despot 4x4 mine resistant ambush protected vehicle at Partner 2019, the International Fair of Armament and defense equipment exhibition in Belgrade Serbia. The Despot is a joint development by TRB and the Government of Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina.


TRB unveils serial production of its Despot 4x4 armored vehicle MRAP Partner 2019 Serbia 925 001
TRB unveils serial production of its Despot 4x4 armored vehicle at Partner 2019, International Fair of Armament and Defense Exhibition in Belgrade, Serbia. June 27, 2019. (Picture source Army Recognition)


According to Slaven Ristic, the Chief Executive Officer of TRB, the Despot is a new generation of wheeled armored offering high level of protection and mobility according to the NATO standard equal to all modern armored vehicle available to the current military and security markets.

The Despot is now in services with the Special Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and some countries have shown interest to purchase the vehicle.

The Despot is designed based on a multipurpose chassis combined with a modern powertrain with an independent suspension system that provides a high level of mobility in all-terrain and weather conditions. The Despot is powered by a Mercedes-Benz OM 926 LA developing 322 hp. at 2,200 rpm coupled to an Allison 3000SP automatic transmission with 6 forward and 1 reverse speed. It can run at a maximum road speed of 120 km/h.

The layout of the Despot is standard for a modern armored vehicle with the engine at the front, crew in the middle and troop's compartment at the rear. It has a crew of three and can carry 6 infantrymen. The troops can enter and leave the vehicle through a large hydraulically operated ramp mounted at the rear of the hull.

The Despot offers ballistic protection Level 2 STANAG 4569 and Level 3 in option. It also offers mine protection Level 2a and 2b STANAG 4569. The Despot is 6.05 m long, 2.7 0m high and 2.56 m wide and has a maximum vehicle weight of 14,000 kg.