DSA 2024: DEFTECH, FNSS unveil upgraded Adnan vehicle prototype

The upgraded ACV-300 – pictured above from the DSA 2024 exhibition – is fitted with a new-generation remote-controlled weapon system with a close-range surveillance system, auxiliary power unit, air conditioning system, automatic fire suppression system, spall liners, driver vision system, and navigation system. (Janes/Kapil Kajal)

Malaysia's state-owned DRB-HICOM Defence Technologies (DEFTECH) and Turkish vehicle manufacturer FNSS have unveiled a prototype of the upgraded ACV-300 ‘Adnan' tracked armoured combat vehicle at the Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2024 exhibition held in Kuala Lumpur from 6 to 9 May.

Mohd Nizam Saedon, head of the engineering department at DEFTECH, told Janes on 6 May that the vehicle, which has been in operation since the early 2000s, is being upgraded to extend its operational life.

The turret of the vehicle is upgraded with a 25 mm sharpshooter turret as a part of the upgrades, Mohd said.

Other enhancements include the addition of a laser rangefinder and a thermal imager in the turret, a laser warning system, and a 360° situational awareness system, Mohd added.

He said the Malaysian Army has “successfully” tested the upgraded vehicle, and DEFTECH is awaiting orders from the service.

“Nearly 200 Adnan vehicles will be upgraded, and it will take a few years to upgrade all these vehicles,” Mohd added.

He said the upgraded vehicle can be integrated with DEFTECH's SR-10 vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft as well for aerial surveillance, monitoring, inspection, mapping, and so on.

According to DEFTECH specifications, the VTOL has a length of 1.65 m, a width of 2.20 m, and a height of 0.35 m. The maximum take-off weight (MTOW) of the aircraft is 9 kg.