SHAH ALAM: Adnan and MIFV Upgrade In RMK12. It appears that the Army proposal to upgrade its Kenderaan Jenis A (KJA-Type A Vehicles – armoured) – the Adnan and MIFV – have been approved and will be funded in the next RMK, starting in 2021.
One aim of the upgrade programme is the standardisation of these two variants , basically an M113 armoured vehicle of Turkey and South Korean origins. This will likely reduce the logistical footprint of the vehicles, lowering operational costs as both vehicles could be operated by a single unit. Most of the MIFV remaining in service are operated by the 14th RMR based at the Sirajudin camp in Gemas. The Adnans are mostly operated by mechanised batallions under the 4th Mechanised Brigade based in Kuantan.
Two MIFVs on parade several years back. Note the full cover on the turret. Most of the MIFV in service are operated by 14th RMR.
The programme will be funded starting from 2021, the start of RMK12, when the Gempita contract is completed. I was told that the various configurations for the upgrade are being finalised with various companies offering stand alone and turnkey solutions for the programme.
An Adnan 81mm mortar carrier with 12.7mm HMG.
This will be both a capability and life extension programme as both vehicles will have to serve until 2035.
An Adnan with the 25mm Sharpshooter turret.
An open tender is likely to be held for the new capabilities and add-ons as mandated by the programme’s office. It is likely though that Deftech facility in Pekan would be conducting the upgrade work, testing and commissioning of the vehicles. It will not make economic sense, if they want to build a new facility to do a programme that’s likely to cover two RMKs especially with the money allocated for it.
Adnans from 12th RMR with the sole 14th RMR MIFV (right).
Apart from the Adnan/MIV upgrade, the Army in RMK12 will also embark on another KJA programme but that’s for another day.
– Malaysian Defence.
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Questions
1. What is the allocated budget for this?
2. Will it be done by open tender?
3. Is this basically a mid life reset, or a capability upgrade?
4. How about the Gempita. Is the army planning, or has a requirement for a 2nd batch?
I’ve long been speculating if DEFTECH and the army had any such plans; now I know. I hope that some level increased protection will be performed as part of the upgrade
@ azlan
As much as everyone hopes that they can increase the armour level of the M113 platform, the technical limitations of the platform simply wont let that happen. The 5 wheel version of M113 has GVW limit of about 14.5 tons.
What i can foresee is that one of the upgrades is to install compatible BMS system as part of the smart soldier system to seamlessly integrate the adnan/mifv to gempita and the rest of mechanized formation.
Hopefully those that is assigned to 11 armor could be upgraded with soucy rubber tracks to make it quiter, to be used as recce vehicles for its PT-91M pendekar.
@ marhalim
Anyway some of questions on this
1. What is the proposed budget for this?
2. Will it be an open tender?
3. Will it be more like a reset rather than a major upgrade?
4. Does the army has any requirement for gempita batch 2?
"The programme will be funded in 2021 when the Gempita contract is completed."
A sign that more AV-8s won't be purchased at least in RMK12. With 400+ units, they are in no hurry soon.
I hope the upgrading will be comprehensive and go towards a single engine & transmission type, ditto to the tracks and running gear. Do they come with a battlefield management system? Would be good if the upgrade could standardise this as well (if they have).
I speculate that the engines of both vehicles may be standardised n may even be a new more powerful unit. Secondly the fire control n detection system may be standardised n maybe made more powerful. The standard weapon now is going towards 30mm.
The KIFV does not have a cupola. Maybe they will now be fitted with a cupola
Then the various sights n night fighting system needs to be improved upon.
Finally self protection systems like infra red detection system coupled wirh more modern smoke n or thermal dischargers can be fitted
Naturally there will be limitations on how extensive an armoured upgrade can be; based on hull and weight limitations but it’s not as if one’s talking about up-armouring the flanks to withstand 30mm KE rounds or for the hull to be able to take a massive IED.
An increased level of protection against shoulder fired weapons can be achieved without adding much strain on the existing engine or gearbox: whether in the form of add on panels on parts of the vehicle or “chicken wire” (of which snagging on vegetation will be a penalty vehicle crews will be happy to pay). Same goes for the MIFVs which incidentally are only protected tip to 12.7mm.
How extensive any upgrade will be is dependent on the level of funding and how long more the army sees itself operating both types. In addition to standard stuff like replacing the wiring, rubber seals and other vitals; there will be other stuff that needs replacing; whether it’s the Turk supplied driver’s thermals, track pads, etc.
Ultimately the ability of any IFV to perform is dependent on it avoiding destruction; thus in addition to the various changes to be made as part of an upgrade; serious consideration should also be given at looking at ways to enhance its survivability whilst taking into account whatever limiting factors they are. Bionix 2 (like Adnan based on the M113) is an indication of the importance the Sings place on survivability.
good...i really hope gempita batch 2 will be coming also...not being delayed..
@ azlan
The Bionix FYI is not based on the M113. It has a totally different hull and suspension system. It weighs about 10 tons more than M113. It is fully welded steel construction unlike aluminium for M113.
@ marhalim
" Apart from the Adnan/MIV upgrade, the Army in RMK12 will also embark on another KJA programme but that’s for another day "
Another KJ-A programme in RMK12? Why not just Gempita batch 2? Gemptia batch 2 will be in line with the governments push for closer ties with Turkish military industrial complex, while fully utilizing the manufacturing investment and knowledge spent for Gempita batch 1.
I always hope the MIFV will get
•better engines
•fully automatic /remote turret
•day/night optical
•upgrade firepower
Is it likely?
Reply
Yes on all