Malaysian Army to Receive 263 Tactical Vehicles

The Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) is acquiring 263 tactical vehicles worth RM164.91 million through two contracts, comprising 163 units of the Tedung and 100 units of the Kala. The Tedung is based on the Brazilian Agrale Marruá AM250 Double Cab, a four-wheel-drive platform manufactured by Agrale, while the Kala is a high-mobility reconnaissance vehicle (HMRV) with a lightweight buggy design. This procurement addresses the ATM's need for enhanced troop mobility, surveillance capability, and operational readiness across diverse terrains, from dense jungles to urban environments. The vehicles were officially introduced by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin on 27 August, with delivery scheduled to continue until the end of 2026.

Key Facts

What Is the Tedung Tactical Vehicle?

The Tedung is a tactical vehicle based on the Brazilian Agrale Marruá AM250 Double Cab, configured for the Malaysian Armed Forces with right-hand drive. It serves as a weapons carrier platform, with 80 units fitted with Automatic Grenade Launchers (AGL) and 83 units with Heavy Machine Guns (HMG).

The Tedung is powered by a Cummins F3.8 Intercooled Turbo diesel engine producing 168 HP and 600 Nm of maximum torque, paired with a full-time 4×4 drive system. For off-road operations, it offers 350 mm of ground clearance, a 58-degree approach angle, and the ability to climb gradients of up to 60 per cent on paved roads and 40 per cent across rough terrain. Agrale confirmed in March that it received a contract to supply 208 units of the Marruá AM250 to Malaysia for military use, with units built in right-hand drive (RHD) configuration and delivery scheduled until the end of 2026.

Beyond weapons transport, the Tedung platform can be reconfigured as a Gun Towing Vehicle (KPM), Fit For Radio (FFR) vehicle, or a command centre vehicle, depending on future ATM requirements.

The Tedung is a Brazilian-derived 4×4 tactical vehicle powered by a Cummins F3.8 Intercooled Turbo diesel engine producing 168 HP and 600 Nm of torque, with 80 AGL and 83 HMG configurations delivered under a RM92.91 million contract.

What Is the Kala Reconnaissance Vehicle?

The Kala is a High Mobility Reconnaissance Vehicle (HMRV) with a lightweight buggy design, powered by a Rotax 900 cc ACE Turbocharged engine producing up to 200 HP. It carries one driver and three fully equipped personnel for rapid reconnaissance and tactical movement in challenging terrain.

The Kala is equipped with a 2WD/4WD drive system, front differential lock, and specialised suspension for cross-country use. It offers 330 mm of ground clearance and can wade through water up to 500 mm deep, clear vertical obstacles up to 300 mm high, and cross trenches up to 500 mm wide. The vehicle's lightweight and agile design makes it particularly suited for reconnaissance missions requiring rapid movement.

The Kala is a 200 HP buggy-style reconnaissance vehicle capable of wading through water up to 500 mm deep, crossing trenches up to 500 mm wide, and carrying four personnel for rapid tactical operations.

How Does This Procurement Support Malaysian Defence Operations?

The RM164.91 million procurement of 263 tactical vehicles enhances the Malaysian Armed Forces' mobility, surveillance capability, and personnel readiness across diverse operational terrains. The two-platform approach provides complementary capabilities: the Tedung for weapons transport and support tasks, and the Kala for rapid reconnaissance.

"The procurement was made to enhance the level of mobility, surveillance capability, and readiness of personnel when conducting operations in various types of terrain."

— Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) statement, as reported by Berita Harian

The vehicles were officially introduced by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin on 27 August. The acquisition reflects a strategic investment in modernising the ATM's vehicle fleet, with the Tedung handling weapons carriage, personnel transport, and support roles, while the Kala focuses on high-speed mobility and reconnaissance operations.

The Malaysian Armed Forces' RM164.91 million acquisition of 263 tactical vehicles was officially introduced by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin on 27 August, with delivery scheduled until the end of 2026.

Who Is This For in Malaysia?

This procurement serves the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM), which operates across Malaysia's diverse terrains including dense rainforests, mountainous regions, and urban environments. The Tedung and Kala platforms address the need for versatile tactical mobility in tropical conditions, with ground clearances of 350 mm and 330 mm respectively to handle rough terrain.

Both vehicle models are built in right-hand drive (RHD) configuration, matching Malaysian road standards. The Tedung's 4×4 capability and 350 mm ground clearance make it suitable for jungle and rural operations, while the Kala's lightweight buggy design and 500 mm water-wading capability support rapid reconnaissance in flood-prone or swampy areas common in Malaysia's tropical climate.

The Tedung and Kala vehicles are built in right-hand drive configuration for Malaysian roads, with delivery scheduled to continue until the end of 2026.

Common Questions

How many Tedung vehicles will the Malaysian Armed Forces receive and at what cost?

The ATM will receive 163 units of the Tedung tactical vehicle under a RM92.91 million contract. Of these, 80 units are configured as Automatic Grenade Launcher (AGL) carriers and 83 units as Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) carriers.

What engine powers the Kala reconnaissance vehicle?

The Kala is powered by a Rotax 900 cc ACE Turbocharged engine producing up to 200 HP, paired with a 2WD/4WD drive system and front differential lock for enhanced off-road performance in challenging terrain.

When will delivery of the 263 tactical vehicles be completed?

Delivery of the 263 tactical vehicles is scheduled to continue until the end of 2026, according to Agrale's confirmation. The vehicles were officially introduced by Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin on 27 August.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the original report published by Careta.my, which cites a Berita Harian report quoting an official Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) statement. Additional references include TheDefensePost and Paultan, as noted in the original article.

All currency figures are presented in Malaysian Ringgit (RM) as reported in the original source. No currency conversion was required. Technical specifications, including engine output, ground clearance, and obstacle-crossing capabilities, are reproduced as stated in the source material.

This article was last updated on 3 September 2026. Information specific to Malaysia was verified against the Careta.my report and the cited Berita Harian article.