Oshkosh Exhibits MRAPS , Wins Big At IDEX 2013

Oshkosh Defense announced at IDEX 2013 that the UAE has awarded the company a $381 million contract for the purchase of 750 Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles that were also on display at Abu Dhabi.

The UAE earlier ordered 50 MRAPs in 2011 making the latest announcement its second buy. According to Oshkosh, deliveries are expected to conclude this year.

With the Pentagon halting MRAP production, the company says it will also look to the Middle East to enlarge its order book.

“We have numerous programs in the Middle East. Both potential, existing and contractual programs. We announced the UAE MTAV program last year. There are similar other programs in the GCC region, we currently have the L-ATV (light combat tactical all-terrain vehicle) program in production,” said Serge Buchakjian, senior vice president and general manager of international business of Oshkosh at IDEX 2013.

The L-ATV, introduced at IDEX 2013 for the first time, was developed as part of the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) programme, the vehicle is equipped with the TAK-4i intelligent independent suspension system, offering high levels of mobility and manoeuvrability to the vehicle. The TAK-4i system is specially designed for high-performance, lightweight vehicles, providing high-mobility in rough off-road terrain.

The L-ATV is equipped with an advanced crew protection system, which offers a protection level similar to that of mine resistant ambush protected (MRAP) vehicles. The protection system can withstand underbelly blasts. The L-ATV can accept add-on armour packages to operate according to the mission requirements.