First seen at DSA two years ago, the Tarantula and the Ribat 4×4 are part of the MILDEF International Technologies (Mildef) portfolio of armoured vehicles designed for military and law enforcement use, and at the 2026 edition of DSA, the biennial exhibition taking place in Kuala Lumpur, they were showcased fitted with systems aimed at different missions
At DSA 2024 Mildef unveiled the High Mobility Light Tactical Vehicle, HMLTV in short. During the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace exhibition in 2025 in the company Mildef officially renamed it Ribat. At DSA 2026 on the Mildef stand a Ribat Mk II was exhibited, the main difference from the baseline vehicle being mostly the gross vehicle mass, which was increased at 7,500 kg versus 6,700 kg of the HMLTV, most of it being due to the higher ballistic protection on the front and sides. Dimensions and powerpack remained the same, power-to-mass ratio decreasing from 41 to 33 hp/t. The vehicle on show was destined to law enforcement special units, as it was fitted with a ramp system installed over the roof; a flat platform over the vehicle allows the assault team to be ready for action while the vehicle moves towards the target, usually a window, while the front part is an angled ramp that allows operators to reach an entry point at a higher level. The presence of the platform prevents from installing a remotely controlled weapon station, which is standard on other versions of the Ribat. The vehicle can host a two-man crew and six personnel at the back. As with most vehicles designed and produced in Malaysia, the Ribat Mk II is available with the wheel on the left side for export and on the right side for national use.
As for the Tarantula, two vehicles were on display. The first, in the Malaysian Army configuration, was fitted with a SARP 100/12.7 remotely controlled weapon station provided by Aselsan of Turkey. The second one was fitted with another Turkish RCWS, this time by Roketsan, which beside the central machine gun integrates on the right side two OMTAS medium‑range missile, giving light forces an organic anti‑armour capability out to around 4 km. Beside the personnel carrier/combat and the antitank versions seen at DSA 2026, Mildef is proposing the Tarantula in several configurations, including command‑and‑control, reconnaissance and surveillance, armoured ambulance, tactical assault vehicle and anti‑riot/internal security platform.
The Tarantula is the product of a close partnership between MILDEF, STRIDE and the Malaysian Armed Forces, and the company highlights a high proportion of local content in the chassis, hull and engine installation. This domestic industrial footprint has already translated into a significant order from the Malaysian Army, with 178 vehicles contracted to replace ageing 4×4 APC fleets, and deliveries planned to ramp up following successful qualification.
At DSA, MILDEF is openly positioning its armoured platforms for export, targeting markets in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Africa and beyond where forces are seeking cost‑effective but modern protected mobility solutions. With its combination of mine‑resistant design, modular mission options and a powertrain based on widely supported commercial components, the Tarantula is being promoted as a pragmatic alternative to heavier Western armoured vehicles, tailored to regional operating environments and budgets.
Photos by J. Roukoz
