DUBAI // Emirati engineers will be assembling 26 anti-mine command vehicles to deliver accurate and long-range firepower.
According to a contract between the UAE-based International Golden Group (IGG) and BAE Land Systems on December 2011, the Agrab RG31 armoured utility vehicles are to be produced by the UAE as early as next year.
“We have delivered a few fully assembled vehicles already but are doing this with our partner IGG as part of our partnership and the future development of the industry in the region and UAE,” said Natasha Pheiffer, BAE Land Systems’ director of business development and communications.
The 4x4 armoured and mine-protected vehicle with all-steel welded armour is fitted with a 120mm super rapid advanced mortar system that is mounted on the RG31 vehicle and an ammunition-handling system that can deliver 46 mortar rounds.
It is designed to have a three-man crew with the ability to deploy and deliver firepower in less than one minute.
Ms Pheiffer said that “semi knock-down kits” will soon be sent to the UAE for final assembly.
“Semi knock-down kits are basically when we pack everything here, they are manufactured in South Africa and we send everything in a box.
“Our vehicles are the base platform and there are many other partners involved with IGG that provide, for example, the electrical systems and the mortar system,” she said.
The UAE Special Operations Command operates RG31 Mk5 command vehicles.
Ms Pheiffer said that a team of Emirati engineers has visited South Africa to see how the vehicles are built.
“Emirati engineers have been fully involved and running the programme from the start and are dealing not only with the platform vehicles but also all the other systems that would be included in them,” she said.
Fadel Al Kaabi, chief executive of IGG, said they have worked with BAE Systems’ Land Systems South Africa business for many years as a prime contractor.
“We are looking forward to a long and successful future providing combat-proven mine and armour-protected systems to forces in the Middle East,” he said.
There are more than 2,500 RG31s in service around the world.
amustafa@thenational.ae