# Mildef Tarantula HMAV

The Mildef Tarantula HMAV is a Malaysian 4×4 V-hull mine-resistant infantry mobility vehicle that provides high-level protection against a variety of battlefield threats such as mines and improvised explosive devices. The vehicle was designed and manufactured by Mildef International Technologies alongside the Science Technology Research Institute for Defense (STRIDE) and the Malaysian Armed Forces. It was launched on 11 February 2021.
The vehicle was developed as a wheeled armoured personnel carrier with mine-resistance capability and good agility on the battlefield. It was developed to reduce dependence on foreign-made armored vehicles.

## History

The development of the vehicle took four years to complete at a total cost of RM16 million for research and development. One prototype was built and launched on 11 February 2021 and it's expected to be tested by the Malaysian Armed Forces. This vehicle uses 70% local components while the other 30% was made from foreign components such as the transmission, the engine and the weapon system.
The development of the vehicle was assisted by the Science Technology Research Institute for Defence (STRIDE) with the Malaysian Armed Forces. On 2 April 2021, Mildef HMAV has been officially named "Tarantula".
According to the Defence Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, some unnamed Middle Eastern countries have expressed interest in acquiring the Tarantula. Mildef has said that they are looking to export the Tarantula to ASEAN member countries, followed by countries outside the region.
In the DSA 2022 convention, Mildef unveiled the Tarantula in an APC configuration.
On August 8, 2023, it was reported that Mildef will deliver 178 Tarantulas, which will begin in 2024.
In DSA 2024, Mildef unveils the second prototype of Tarantula which is the modified version of the vehicle according to Malaysian Army requirements. The vehicle is lighter where the mass is 12 tonnes compared to 14 tonnes for the first prototype. There are also some other modifications and upgrades included in the second prototype.

## Design

The Tarantula has a length of 5.6 metres, a width of 2.5 metres, and a height of 2.5 metres. The weight of the vehicle is 14 tonnes. It is powered by a Caterpillar engine with a capacity of 7.2 liters of turbocharged diesel with a horsepower of 330 and 1116 Nm of torque and capable of reaching speeds up to 110 kilometres/hour.
The Tarantula has been qualified with NATO's STANAG 4569 standard where their ballistic protection is compatible with STANAG 4569 Level 2 for ballistic and artillery. The vehicle is compatible with STANAG 4569 level 2B and the hull protection is compatible with STANAG 4569 level 2A.
The main armament consists of a 12.7mm RCWS. It's equipped with smoke grenade dischargers for self defence protection.
After the Tarantula was first announced in February 2021, the vehicle was tested for nine days through 700 km of road testing and 300 km off-road, followed by highway endurance, fuel efficiency, load, winching, slope, mounting and dismounting, climbing and braking, including a one-metre fording test.
According to Mildef CEO Datuk Seri Mohd Nizam Kasa, the construction of the Tarantula consists of 70% local content (chassis, body, and engine system) and 30% (axle, six-speed transmission and engine) foreign content.

## Operators
### Current operators

* Malaysia: 2 units prototypes for testing.

### Future operators

* Malaysia: In 2024, the Malaysian Army selected the Mildef Tarantula HMAV as its new armoured vehicle. 136 units planned for this acquisition.

### Potential operators

* East Timor: In October 2023, East Timor has expressed interest to buy the Mildef Tarantula HMAV.
* Philippines: In September 2024, it was reported that the Tarantula was offered as part of a Philippine Marine Corps contract.