Singaporean defence company ST Engineering displayed its Rhino 4×4 protected vehicle outside home territory for the first time earlier this month. The brand new design was exhibited at World Defense Show 2026 in Riyadh, held from 8-12 February.
Chew Tze Meng, Vice President/Product Director, Electrification & 4×4 Vehicles, of ST Engineering’s Land Systems, described the Rhino as a “new-generation MRAP”, an acronym denoting a mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle.
The 15-tonne Rhino is the new name given to what the Singaporean company initially launched as the Next Generation Protected Vehicle (NGPV) at Singapore Airshow 2024.
Of note, the vehicle displayed in Saudi Arabia was not a prototype, but a vehicle from an actual production line. ST Engineering confirmed to Asian Military Review that the Rhino is indeed in production for an unspecified Asian customer. Although representatives would not be drawn on who that customer is, it is most likely the Singapore Army.
What is notable about the Rhino is its central-drive hybrid electric drive system. A diesel engine charges two sets of 400V batteries stashed in the vehicle sides. The batteries in turn power two 225kW electrical motors, one for each axle.
In fact, the company claims this is the world’s first production MRAP with hybrid electric drive, although the Rhino can be delivered with a conventional diesel engine too.
Chew said the advantage of the hybrid electric drive is an increase in range – now up to 780km and 25km of silent running – an ability to conduct 24-hour silent watches and, perhaps most importantly, being able to export up to 150kW in power externally.
Such a vehicle cuts a formation’s logistics tail. Instead of having to carry extra generators and associated fuel supplies, hybrid electric vehicles are more self-sufficient.
The vehicle displayed in Riyadh was configured as a manned-unmanned teaming “mothership”. It carried four vertical-take-off unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) stored in sliding trays, and a robotic management system helps with tasks such as self-charging. It could also tow an unmanned ground vehicle and release it from a towbar.
The Rhino could also act in ambulance, troop carrier (with a crew of two and carrying ten passengers), counter-drone, signals, mortar, maintenance and command post roles. Its monocoque hull with a V-shaped bottom offers STANAG 4569 Level 2 protection as standard.
The Rhino on exhibit was fitted with ST Engineering’s own Adder Twin remote weapon station, which offers a counter-drone capability and the ability to carry low-recoil weapons of up to 30mm calibre.
ST Engineering completed development of the Rhino last year, and it is now in low-rate production. Chew emphasised the vehicle is also “future-ready” thanks to its hybrid electric drive. For example, new weapons such as lasers for counter-drone applications could be integrated.
The Rhino measures 7.3m long, 2.7m wide and 2.6m high. It has a 4.5-tonne payload capacity. The MRAP also has a digital dashboard that supports operations and training functions. To aid the driver, there are digital wing mirrors, a 360° top-down surround view, and a reversing camera with object detection.
Apart from its launch customer in Asia, ST Engineering believes the Rhino will have appeal in markets such as Europe and the Middle East.
by Gordon Arthur
