We are developing the theme of armored patrol cars. Having considered the fleets of some NATO states and the two armies of non- aligned Europe , let's turn to the countries of the Middle East.
Turkish Patrol Car
BMC Otomotiv Sanayi ve Ticaret A.S. produces a series of Vuran UAVs with a 4x4 wheel formula. The basic version of the Vuran armored vehicle with a 4x4 wheel formula is called MPAV (multi-purpose armored vehicle). The 6.22 m long model with a gross weight of 19.1 t can be used as a patrol vehicle accommodating nine military personnel, including the commander and the driver (2+7).
The profile of the tasks to be solved includes reconnaissance of the area or individual objects, point defense and escort of convoys. Depending on the customer's requirements, an additional remotely controlled combat module can be installed on the roof of the BM. A specialized version of the Vuran can be equipped with a 120-mm mortar or a 107-mm multiple rocket launcher.
The Vuran BPA entered service with the Turkish Armed Forces in 2019 and has since been exported to seven more countries.
A convoy of Vuran patrol cars. Ahead is a general–purpose vehicle, followed by a mortar transporter and an armored vehicle with rockets.
The Vuran BM can operate at temperatures from -32° to +49° and high humidity. Off-road characteristics include the ability to overcome slopes with a slope of up to 60% and side slopes of up to 30%. The ground clearance of 400 mm and the ability to overcome water obstacles up to 0.8 m deep ensure excellent maneuverability on rough terrain.
Vuran BPA (4x4) in the mobile mortar version
The standard equipment of the model includes a fire extinguishing system, an air conditioner, an Arctic kit, Run Flat tires with a central tire pumping system, a winch for self-pulling, a silencer, a shot detection system and front and rear cameras. Protection against anti-personnel mines and weapons of mass destruction is available upon request. The all-metal body, armored cabin and shock-absorbing seats provide ballistic protection, as well as protection from mines and IEDs. The manufacturer declares compliance with the ballistic protection standards DIN EN1522-1063.
UAE Patrol cars
Nimr Automotive LLC, a subsidiary of The Edge Group, manufactures several lines of armored vehicles, from light to heavy. The Ajban 440A light Tactical patrol vehicle with a 4x4 wheel formula was introduced as a modification of earlier Ajban logistics and support vehicles.
In 2021, Nimr launched a second-generation line of lightweight BMWs called the Ajban Mk2. Despite retaining the name, the Mk2 model has undergone significant changes: the payload capacity has been significantly increased, ballistic and mine protection have been improved.
Ajban 452A patrol car from Nimr's light BM family
The Mk2 series is currently available in three configurations: 442A, 432AU and 452A. The vehicles have a V-shaped hull design for increased resistance to explosions and a fully armored one-piece cabin for effective protection against ballistic threats. The floating floor further enhances the integrity of the vehicle and the safety of the crew when detonated under the bottom. Optionally, ballistic engine protection, sealed fuel tanks and an automatic fire extinguishing system are available.
Situational awareness and navigation are enhanced by front and rear external cameras. As a weapon, you can use a roof mount for a machine gun or a grenade launcher. Loopholes in the cockpit allow the crew to fire small arms without removing their armor. The interior layout facilitates the integration of command, control, and communication systems to meet mission requirements.
The smallest and lightest modification is the 442A. The length of the BM is 5.8 m, the gross weight is 14.5 tons, and the load capacity is 4000 kg. It is designed for four military personnel (2+2 seats), but it can accommodate a fifth. The vehicle is designed for general patrol, including reconnaissance and close combat. The 432AU is slightly larger than the 442A and is mainly designed for auxiliary tasks, although it can be converted into a mobile mortar.
In 2025, Nimr introduced an improved Ajban 452A model. The capacity has been increased to 11 people (2+9), the load capacity is up to 3,500 kg, and the gross weight is up to 16 tons. The model retains the standard 4x4 chassis and the modular design of the Mk2 generation. The dimensions (length 6,050 m, width 2,51 m, height 2,695 m, wheelbase 3,5 m) are slightly larger than those of the 442A, but they are still compact, given that the machine exceeds platforms with a 6×6 wheel formula in terms of load capacity.
In addition to patrolling and transporting personnel, the BM can be used as a command and staff, artillery observation or sanitary. The Model 452A, which is still classified as a light tactical patrol vehicle, has a V-shaped armored hull to increase resistance to explosions under the bottom. Protection is complemented by radiochemical and biological protection equipment, as well as smoke grenade launchers.
Source: European Security & Defense
