Hydra Trading marks the Middle East debut of the UAE developed protected armoured vehicle at IDEX

IDEX marks the Middle East launch of the highly protected civilian VIP armoured vehicle that is marked by its high speed, great mobility, cross-country capabilities and ballistic protection in the range of Level B4, B5, B6 and B7+. The Abu Dhabi-based company, will also unveil its Tactical Vehicles Programme, which is currently being developed, and intends to launch military heavy duty 4x4 and 6x6 variants by the end of the year.

According to Dr Mohamad Zahran, Director General, Hydra Trading, the vehicle is mainly targeted for escorting VIPs, police and para-military forces.

"Given its great mobility, high speed and the highest levels of ballistic protection, it is the ideal vehicle for VIP security, and police and para-military protection during counter-terrorism operations, especially in volatile regions engulfed in conflicts. The market for such vehicles is fast-growing as countries around the world are focusing more on homeland security and counter-terrorism and are taking active steps to increase their security-related spending,"

The 4x4 security vehicle is built on a commercial heavy duty chassis with a luxury interior finish. It is 5.35m long, 2.1m wide, 2.15m high and weighs 4,200kg; it has been tested for specific missions.

Hydra Trading, which is developing the civilian version in partnership with a leading European manufacturer and supplier, Rostech , holds the IPR rights. Manufactured in the UAE, a few prototypes of the armoured vehicle have been produced and sold clients, mostly individuals, around the world. The serial production activity is expected to start soon.

The tactical vehicles program

Under the tactical vehicles program, the company is currently in the process of developing 4x4 and 6x6 variants that will be tailor made for the region keeping in mind the region's ambient conditions and terrain. These vehicles, built on proven military chassis, are meant for military and tactical applications for various missions such as command and control, patrol, surveillance and reconnaissance, weapon carriers, ambulance, etc. The vehicles will offer Stanag 4569 Level 1 to Level 3 protection.

Other state-of-the-art displays

During IDEX 2009, Hydra Trading will also be displaying the EAGLE IV 4x4 from MOWAG, fitted with state of the art RWS (Remote Weapon Station) Trackfire, from SAAB. There is a growing interest in UAE for this vehicle for certain mission specific requirements.

Alliances and expansion

Hydra Trading is affiliated with many world-class names in both the defence and civilian sectors, having entered into joint venture programs and agreements with some of the best defense equipment manufacturers in Europe and North America. The company seeks to expand its capabilities to serve clients in the UAE, GCC, the Middle East and the South Asia regions (SA). Currently, Hydra Trading supplies the UAE Land Forces with spare parts for current and future stock of Hummer, BMP-3, Zybian, and Tatra vehicles, among others.