In recent developments, the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Republican Guard have acquired dozens each of the Calidus MCAV-20 armoured vehicles, manufactured by the United Arab Emirates.
The Sudanese Armed Forces and the DRC Republican Guard’s adoption of the UAE-made Calidus MCAV-20 armoured vehicle represents a significant milestone in their efforts to modernize their defence capabilities. Both embattled countries operate the weapons carrier variant which can me armed with a variety of machine guns and cannons up to 23mm.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been providing arms to both the Rapid Support Force (RSF) and the Sudanese Army, which have been involved in conflicts within Sudan.
The MCAV-20 is a relatively new armoured vehicle, so it is still too early to say how successful it will be in the global market. However, the vehicle’s combination of mobility, protection, and firepower makes it a promising contender for any contract.
The UAE-made Calidus MCAV-20 is a 4×4 armoured vehicle that was first unveiled at the International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi in 2021. The vehicle is designed to provide a high level of protection for its crew and passengers, while also being highly mobile and capable of carrying a variety of weapons systems.
The MCAV-20 is powered by a 6.7-litre Cummins diesel engine that produces 300 horsepower. This gives the vehicle a top speed of 110 kilometres per hour and a range of 800 kilometres. The MCAV-20 is also equipped with a fully independent suspension system that provides a smooth ride even over rough terrain.
The MCAV-20’s armour is capable of protecting against small arms fire and artillery shrapnel. The vehicle also has a blast-proof underbody that can withstand the blast of an improvised explosive device (IED). The MCAV-20 can be fitted with a variety of weapons systems, including a 30mm cannon, a 7.62mm machine gun, and a 40mm grenade launcher.
The MCAV-20 is a versatile and capable armoured vehicle that is well-suited for a variety of missions. The vehicle is currently in service with the Sudanese Armed Forces, and it is also being marketed to other countries around the world.
