Mildef Tarantula HMAV

{{Infobox weapon

| name = Mildef Tarantula HMAV

| image = File:Mildef HMAV 4x4 during testing.jpg

| image_size = 300

| caption = Tarantula during in-field testing

| origin = Malaysia

| type = Armoured personnel carrier / Mine-resistant ambush protected

| is_ranged =

| is_bladed =

| is_explosive =

| is_artillery =

| is_vehicle = yes

| is_missile =

| is_UK =

| service =

| used_by =

| wars =

| designer =

| design_date = 2013

| manufacturer = Mildef International Technologies

| production_date = 2021 – present

| number = 2 prototypes{{Cite web|url=https://www.nst.com.my/business/2021/02/665032/mildef-unveils-locally-made-high-mobility-armoured-vehicles|title=NST-Mildef unveils locally-made high mobility armoured vehicles|website=nst.com.my|access-date=23 April 2021}}

| spec_label =

| weight = 14 tonnes (gross weight), 11 tonnes (empty weight)

| length = 5.6 metres

| part_length =

| width = 2.5 metres

| height = 2.5 metres

| diameter =

| crew = 10 person

| armour =

Composite armor, STANAG 4569 level 2A hull protection
STANAG 4569 level 2B belly protection

| primary_armament = Aselsan SIPER 12.7mm RCWS{{Cite web|url=https://www.malaysiandefence.com/aselsan-signs-partnership-with-malaysian-companies/|title=Aselsan Signs Partnership With Malaysian Companies}}

| secondary_armament =

| engine = Caterpillar engine

| engine_power = 330 hp

| pw_ratio = 23.57 hp/ton

| transmission = Allison automatic transmission

| payload_capacity =

| suspension = 4×4

| clearance = 430 mm

| fuel_capacity =

| vehicle_range =

| speed = 110 km/h

| guidance =

| steering =

}}

The Mildef Tarantula HMAV{{cite web|url=https://www.malaysiandefence.com/tarantula-hmav-4x4/|title=Tarantula HMAV 4×4|website=malaysian defence.com|access-date=23 April 2021}} is a Malaysian 4×4 V-hull mine-resistant infantry mobility vehicle that provides high-level protection against a variety of battlefield threats such as mines and improvised explosive devices. The vehicle was designed and manufactured by Mildef International Technologies alongside the Science Technology Research Institute for Defense (STRIDE) and the Malaysian Armed Forces.{{Cite web|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/dsa_2022_news_official_show_daily/dsa_2022_mildef_from_malaysia_unveils_its_new_tarantula_4x4_armored_vehicle.html|title = DSA 2022: Mildef from Malaysia unveils its new Tarantula 4x4 armored vehicle | DSA 2022 News Official Show Daily | Defence security exhibitions 2022 show daily news category}} It was launched on 11 February 2021.

The vehicle was developed as a wheeled armoured personnel carrier with mine-resistance capability and good agility on the battlefield.{{Cite web |title=Mildef unveils Malaysian-made armoured vehicle |url=https://www.bernama.com/en/business/news.php?id=1930922 |access-date=23 April 2021 |website=bernama.com}} It was developed to reduce dependence on foreign-made armored vehicles.{{Cite web|url=https://www.malaysianow.com/news/2021/02/11/first-made-in-malaysia-armoured-vehicle-unveiled/|title=First made-in-Malaysia armoured vehicle unveiled|first=Siva|last=Selan|date=11 February 2021 |access-date=23 April 2021}}

History

The vehicle's development, which cost RM16 million over four years, by a team of eight engineers and more than 100 Ministry of Defence staff was part of an initiative by the ministry to develop domestic arms production capability.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/04/02/malaysia-produces-its-first-armoured-vehicle-the-tarantula-hmav-4x4|title=Malaysia produces its first armoured vehicle, the Tarantula HMAV 4x4 |newspaper=The Star |date=2 April 2021 |access-date=23 April 2021}} First revealed by Mildef International Technologies on 21 February 2021, the vehicle was named Tarantula on 2 April that year.

The development of the vehicle was assisted by the Science Technology Research Institute for Defence (STRIDE) of the Ministry of Defence.

In the Defence Security Asia 2022 exhibition, Mildef unveiled the Tarantula in an armoured personnel carrier configuration.

On August 8, 2023, it was reported by Jane's that Mildef would supply 178 Tarantulas to the Malaysian Armed Forces, with deliveries to begin in 2024.{{cite web|url=https://www.janes.com/defence-news/land-forces/latest/mildef-to-supply-tarantula-vehicles-to-malaysian-armed-forces|title=Mildef to supply Tarantula vehicles to Malaysian Armed Forces}} However, no deliveries were ultimately made.

In the Defence Security Asia 2024 exhibition, Mildef unveiled a second prototype modified to meet the requirements of the Malaysian Army.{{cite web |url=https://www.edrmagazine.eu/mildef-unveils-three-new-4x4-new-vehicles |title=DSA 2024 – MILDEF unveils three new 4×4 vehicles}}

In Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace 2025 exhibition, Malaysia has announced that it has selected 136 units of Tarantula as its new armoured vehicle.{{cite web | url =https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/malaysia-advances-armoured-modernisation-with-435-million-tarantula-vehicle-deal/|title = Malaysia advances armoured modernisation with $435 million Tarantula vehicle deal}}

Design

The Tarantula measures 5.6 metres in length, 2.5 metres in width, and 2.5 metres in height. The first prototype weighed 13.2 tonnes, and was powered by a Caterpillar diesel engine producing 330hp, giving it a power-to-weight ratio of 24hp/ton, and a maximum speed of 110km/h.{{cite web |url=https://asianmilitaryreview.com/2021/03/mildef-hmav-4x4-successfully-completes-first-round-of-military-evaluation-testing/ |title=MILDEF HMAV 4×4 Successfully Completes First Round of Military Evaluation Testing |publisher=Asian Military Review |date=25 March 2021 |access-date=23 April 2021}} The second prototype reportedly featured a Caterpillar engine that produced 340hp and allowed it to achieve a maximum speed of 120km/h.

The initial prototype featured a 12.7mm remote controlled weapon station (RCWS) and smoke grenade dischargers.{{Cite web |date=February 15, 2021 |title=MILDEF Malaysia 4x4 armoured recon vehicle revealed - paultan.org |url=https://paultan.org/2021/02/15/mildef-malaysia-4x4-armoured-recon-vehicle-revealed/ |access-date=23 April 2021}} The Tarantula's second prototype featured a dual 7.62mm and 12.7mm RCWS configuration.

According to Mildef CEO Datuk Seri Mohd Nizam Kasa, the construction of the Tarantula consists of 70% local content (chassis, body, and engine system) and 30% (axle, six-speed transmission and engine) foreign content.

Operators

=Current operators=

{{flag|Malaysia}}: 2 units prototypes for testing.{{Cite web|url=https://www.armyrecognition.com/defense_news_february_2021_global_security_army_industry/mildef_international_technologies_unveils_malaysian-made_high_mobility_armored_vehicle.html|title=Mildef International Technologies unveils Malaysian-made high mobility armored vehicle | Defense News February 2021 Global Security army industry | Defense Security global news industry army year 2021 | Archive News year|first=Alain Henry de|last=Frahan|website=www.armyrecognition.com|access-date=23 April 2021}} Tarantula selected with 136 units being acquired.{{cite web| url=https://www.nst.com.my/news/nation/2025/05/1218666/lima-25-gets-first-look-malaysias-homegrown-tactical-armoured-vehicle#google_vignette|title= LIMA 2025 Get First Look Malaysias Homegrown Tactical Armoured Vehicle}}

=Future operators=

{{flag|East Timor}}: In October 2023, East Timor has expressed interest to buy the Mildef Tarantula HMAV.{{cite web|url=https://careta.my/article/timor-leste-berminat-dapatkan-tarantula-hmav-4x4|title=Timor Leste Berminat Dapatkan Tarantula HMAV 4×4|date=2 October 2021}}

=Failed contracts=

{{flag|Philippines}}: In September 2024, it was reported that the Tarantula was offered as part of a Philippine Marine Corps contract.{{cite web|url=https://www.asianmilitaryreview.com/2024/09/mildef-hmltv-makes-first-foray-outside-malaysia/|title=Mildef HMLTV Makes First Foray Outside Malaysia}} KMPV from KOVICO was selected instead.{{cite web|url=https://global.tendernews.com/newsdetails.aspx?s=4527&t=Philippine-Marine-Corps-Enhances-Fleet-with-South-Korean-KMPV-Light-Tactical-Vehicles|title=Philippine Marine Corps Enhances Fleet with South Korean KMPV Light Tactical Vehicles}}