Malaysia to acquire 263 military vehicles in $40.8 million army upgrade

Malaysia is set to acquire 263 military vehicles worth 164.91 million ringgit ($40.8 million) as part of efforts to strengthen the army’s tactical mobility and reconnaissance capabilities.

The procurement comprises 163 Tedung (Cobra) 4×4 weapon carriers and 100 Kala (Scorpion) high-mobility reconnaissance vehicles, according to foreign media.

Defence Minister Khaled Nordin officially unveiled the platforms during a ceremony attended by Wangsa Maju-based industry partner High Point Worldwide. The company displayed the vehicles in their final green-painted Malaysian Army configuration publicly for the first time.

The acquisition was awarded through two contracts.

The first, worth 92.91 million ringgit ($23 million), covers 80 Cobra vehicles configured to carry automatic grenade launchers and another 83 fitted for heavy machine guns.

The Cobra is based on Brazil’s Agrale Marruá AM250 double-cab transport and utility vehicle. It is powered by a 170-horsepower Cummins engine and features full-time four-wheel drive.

According to the Malaysian government, the platform can be reconfigured for a range of missions, including command, radio and cannon-towing roles, depending on future operational requirements.

The second contract, valued at 72 million ringgit ($17.8 million), covers the Kala reconnaissance vehicle, which uses a buggy-style chassis designed for infantry reconnaissance missions.

While its underlying vehicle platform has not been specified, the Kala is equipped with a Rotax 900cc ACEI turbocharged engine capable of producing up to 200 horsepower. It can carry four fully equipped soldiers and is designed to operate across rugged terrain.

The procurement is intended to expand the Malaysian Army’s ability to move personnel and weapons rapidly while improving its capacity to conduct reconnaissance and operate in difficult terrain.

By Tamilla Hasanova