Malaysia to procure 136 new Tarantula 4x4 high mobility armored vehicles

 

The latest variant of the Tarantula HMAV is smaller and lighter than the original prototype. Photo c/o Army Recognition.

The Malaysian Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) to acquire a total of 136 new Tarantula 4x4 High Mobility Armoured Vehicles (HMAV) for the Malaysian Army in a deal expected to be worth around MYR1.8 billion (US$430 million). 

The LOI was received by Malaysian company Mildef International Technologies Sdn Bhd during the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace (LIMA) Exhibition 2025, which is Malaysia premier international defense exhibition.

According to reports, Mildef is expected to be deliver all vehicles within 4 years, and provide maintenance and logistics support to the Malaysian Army.

The Tarantula 4x4 HMAV was first unveiled by Mildef in 2021 and was originally designed to meet the requirements of the Malaysian Army for a new homegrown 4x4 armored vehicle to replace ageing models like the German-made Condor 4x4 armored personnel carrier.

The vehicle was designed as a mine-resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicle and can be equipped with a remote controlled weapon station (RCWS) allowing it to be armed with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun, plus smoke grenade dischargers.

It measures 5.6 meters long, 2.5 meters wide, and 2.5 meters high, and is powered by a Caterpillar diesel engine allowing an output of 340 horsepower.

The Malaysian Army will be its first user, although the vehicle is heavily marketed in neighboring countries in Southeast Asia including in the Philippines, Indonesia, and East Timor.

[1] New Straits Times

[2] Air Times Malaysia

[3] Malaysian Defence