STRIDE Developing Light Tank?

23 Mei 2019

Mock up of armoured vehicle with 105mm gun turret (photo : Mal MoD)

On May 17, MINDEF’s Science and Technology Research Institute for Defence (STRIDE) has organised an Iftar ceremony where the Secretary General of MINDEF was invited to the event.

He was shown to various display put up by various STRIDE departments to highlight the capabilities, expertise and achievement of each of the department. One display that caught the eye was the cut out of an armoured vehicle which look like a light tank.

The mock up seems to have 105mm gun with turret equipped with flare canisters possibly as countermeasures against anti armour weapon system.

The Malaysian Army had recently phased out its ageing Alvis Scorpion light tank which is equipped with 90mm Cockerill gun. While there has been no plan being made to fill in the gap, the need for light tank to be operated by the 10th Parachute Brigade as replacement to the British made Scorpion tank is apparent.

Sibmas 6x6 of TDM equipped with 90mm Cockerill gun (photo : Wiki)

STRIDE has been cooperating with a local engineering company to come up with reconnaissance variant of the Scorpion which uses turret from a retired Radpanzer Condor armoured personnel carrier (APC) as well as other enhancement and upgrades. Having said that, the proposed project was not carried out due to the decision to take all of the remaining Scorpions out of service.

(MFH)