The Rabdan 8x8 IFV, developed from the Otokar ARMA wheeled armoured vehicle for the UAE, fired a 9M117 ATGM from its 100 mm smoothbore gun. The gun-launched 9M117 Bastion ATGM has been in use by the UAE’s BMP-3 IFVs as the main anti-armour weapon. Rabdan’s current configuration contains a Russian BMP-3 IFV turret fitted with a 2A70 100 mm smoothbore gun and a 2A72 30 mm autocannon. 9M117 Bastion is a laser beam-riding ATGM developed by Russia to be specifically fired from the 2A70 gun. 9M117 missile’s penetration rating ranges from 600 to 750 mm of RHA behind ERA, depending on the version.
While the first batches use BMP-3 turrets, UAE will eventually switch to Spanish Escribano’s Guardian 30 remote-controlled turret, as reported by Jane’s. The main weapon is a 30x173 mm Bushmaster II chain gun or the Russian 2A42 30x165 mm autocannon. Additionally, the turret has a provision for two ATGMs in a retractable launcher.
Rabdan has been developed by Otokar and UAE-based Al Jasoor (Subsidiary of EDGE Group) from the ARMA armoured vehicle. Compared to ARMA, Rabdan includes design changes, such as a longer hull and amphibious capability. While the development started with an 8x8 configuration, works on a 6x6 variant has also started.
