Turkey Completes Delivery Of First Wave Sea Assault Vehicles: Only Owned By Two Countries, Has Been Exhibited In Indonesia

MAV ZAHA Turkey. (Source: FNSS)

JAKARTA - Turkey completed the first shipment of the Marine Assault Vehicle (MAV) project, which will meet the needs of the Naval Command Force, a senior official said at the end of last week.

Named ZAHA, MAV is the latest technology amphibious vehicle designed by leading manufacturers of the FNSS Defense Systems to meet amphibious operational requirements.

"We have started the delivery of ZAHA armored amphibious assault vehicles to the DzKK (Navy Command Forces), which will provide our marine infantry with significant profits in the field," said Ismail Demir, head of the Turkish Defense Industry (SSB) Presidency, as reported by the Daily Sabah March 26.

A total of 27 vehicles are expected to be used as part of this project. Of these, 23 of them will be personnel vehicles, two command vehicles and two rescue vehicles.

"We are one of two countries in the world that has this capability with mine protection and armored, firepower and mobility capabilities," Demir wrote on Twitter.

During the landing phase on the beach in amphibious operations, these vehicles were launched from the landing helicopter dock. This vehicle can quickly cover the distance between ships and beaches, allowing marine units to dock under armored protection.

Upon arrival on land, this vehicle can operate alongside other armored vehicles.

Armored amphibious assault vehicles are required to demonstrate superior performance at sea and on land as vehicles with two properties, in accordance with their role description.

The MAV's firing power is provided by a specially designed remote-controlled turret of 12.7 mm and 40 mm AGL.

The unique hull design and strong water jets make the MAV very easy to move in water at speeds up to 7. While on land the speed reaches a maximum of 70 kilometers per hour (43.50 mph).

Few countries in the world own this kind of vehicle in their inventory. In NATO and its allies, only one company other than FNSS makes vehicles in this class.

FNSS is also involved in export-oriented negotiations with many countries interested in the MAV. In addition, as part of promotional and marketing activities, MAV was exhibited abroad for the first time at the Indo Defense Expo & Forum 2022 Exhibition in Indonesia last November.