Feb 23, 2015 defense-aerospace.com

(Source: MBDA; issued Feb 22, 2015)

ABU DHABI --- MBDA and NIMR Automotive LLC, a light-medium weight military vehicle manufacturer based in Abu Dhabi, UAE and part of the Emirates Defence Industries Company (EDIC), an integrated national defence and services manufacturing platform, have entered into a commercial partnership to address a requirement of the Emirates Defence Forces for a high efficiency V-SHORAD air defence system.

The new HAFEET ADV proposed by the two companies features the MBDA MPCS (Multi-Purpose Combat System including a turret, sensors, IFF, Mistral missiles, command & firing posts and shelter equipment) that would be installed on NIMR’s latest HAFEET 640A all-terrain light armoured vehicle platform.

The combination of the MPCS equipped with MBDA’s latest generation Mistral missiles and of the NIMR vehicle would provide an unmatched mobile air defence capability allowing protection of convoys, armoured brigades in their manoeuvers as well as any land infrastructure or assets.

The two companies have already completed preliminary engineering studies and are in the stage of integrating the full system if ordered. Most of the HAFEET ADV components already exist and are modular.

Already in service in several forces in the world, the MPCS turret comprises a gyro-stabilized day/thermal sensor suite with integrated laser rangefinder. With four ready-to-fire, fire and forget, IR Mistral missiles, the HAFEET ADV enables the interception of a large spectrum of threats (high manoeuvering fighters, combat helicopters, UAV, UCAV, cruise missiles) at ranges exceeding 6 km and altitudes up to 5,000 m.

NIMR CEO Dr Fahad Saif Harhara stated “The HAFEET ADV concept is based on NIMR 6x6 tactical platform which combines high levels of mobility and protection to provide a multi-role platform for a broad spectrum of mission requirements”.

The MPCS system allows for low crew workload and short reaction time to provide Air Defence Forces with an outstanding high fire power against stressing attacks: a unit of six HAFEET ADVs can engage up to 24 different targets coming from any direction in less than 20 seconds with a reload capability of 48 Mistral missiles (8 additional Mistral missiles inside the HAFEET ADV shelter).

The HAFEET ADV can be operated in autonomous mode or in coordinated mode with MBDA’s latest generation of MCP (Mistral Coordination Post) equipped with 3D radar.

HAFEET ADV can be operated by a two or three man crew including a team leader and is air transportable.

Feb. 28, 2012 ameinfo.com

Abu Dhabi-based Nimr Automotive, a subsidiary of Tawazun Holding, is currently exhibiting at the 11th Annual International Armoured Vehicles (IAV) conference and exhibition being held at FIVE, Farnborough, UK (20th to 23rd Feb 2012).

The first ever UAE company to appear at International Armoured Vehicles, Nimr develops and manufactures a wide range of interoperable defence vehicles that feature high power delivery, high mobility, high versatility and high protection levels.

These multi-mission vehicles are designed and manufactured for applications that range from tactical missions in harsh environments, such as arid deserts, to modern urban warfare, deep infiltration missions, reconnaissance, border surveillance, and support logistics.

Depending on the configuration required by the customer, they can perform a variety of roles, including armament or personnel carrier, logistics vehicle, ambulance, and Command and Control vehicle.

Under a Memorandum of Agreement between Nimr and DRS Technologies, part of the Finmeccanica Group, DRS Technologies, is equipping Nimr vehicles with tactical vehicle electronics, electro-optics, vehicle power management and tactical communications.

This combination of Nimr's vehicle engineering capacity and DRS Technologies' systems and integration skills can equip these vehicles to deliver world class C4ISTAR solutions, including battle management, close-in situational awareness, reconnaissance and surveillance, and secure vehicle and tactical communications. In partnership with other Finmeccanica businesses, DRS can also integrate highly effective electronic countermeasures against the IED threat as well as a range of stabilised overhead weapon systems capable of meeting most of the operational scenarios the vehicles are likely to encounter.

On display at International Armoured Vehicles is the Armoured Patrol Vehicle - 6x6 (pictured) fitted with systems provided by DRS and its sister companies Oto Melara and Selex Elsag.

Speaking at the International Armoured Vehicles conference, Mr Hamad Al Neyadi, Chief Strategic Officer of Tawazun and Chairman of Nimr Automotive, drew attention to the vision of Nimr which is to establish a globally recognised and sustainable defence automotive business, contributing to the diversification of the UAE economy and enhancing local skills and experience. Full production, assembly and quality management facilities are being installed at Nimr's Abu Dhabi plant and comprehensive lifecycle management capabilities are already in place.

To date, over 509 Nimr vehicles have been delivered, including both the 4x4 and 6x6 versions, and an order book of 1800 plus.