Eurosatory 2012 : UAE Buys Additional NIMR Vehicles

Abu Dhabi-based Tawazun Holdings has showcased its NIMR multi-mission 6x6 at Eurosatory in Paris, as it ramps up deliveries of the vehicle to the UAE government.


In March the UAE Ministry of the Interior signed a contract for 200 NIMR vehicles, part of a wider order for more than 1,800 vehicles for the country’s armed forces.

Speaking to Shephard at the show, the CEO of Tawazun subsidiary Burkan, Saeed Al Mansouri, said that more than 500 NIMR vehicles had now been delivered to customers including Libya, Jordan, and Lebanon as well as the UAE.


‘The NIMR is a fully UAE designed and manufactured vehicle and the only thing that is not produced in the country is the engine and gearbox,’ Al Mansouri said.

He noted that the vehicles are available in both 4×4 and 6×6 variants and the modular design allows them to be configured for a variety of roles – including reconnaissance, border surveillance, command and control, medevac, and as a personnel carrier – but retain a common chassis for easier logistics and support.


The 4x4 version can have a single or double cabin, a weapons platform or personnel carrier hull while the 6x6 offers short, medium, or long wheel base variants. NIMR has partnered with DRS for the onboard C4I package.

Al Mansouri said the 300hp, 13.5 tonne 6x6 vehicle on display was able to haul a payload of up to five tonnes.


‘The vehicles have been extensively tested in the UAE but were also shipped to the UK for tests at Millbrook Proving Ground,’ he said.


While the armour protection is the equivalent to STANAG 4569 Level 1, add-on armour kits can bring that up to Level 3 or 4.

The expansion of NIMR sales is one part of a wider push by Tawazun to expand its activities, with the holding company looking to increase its 3000+ strong work force by 400 to 500 employees each year. As well as NIMR, the holding company controls ammunition, weapons, autonomous systems and manufacturing and assembly interests.