The Wahash IFV with the BMP-3 turret on the Calidus stand at IDEX 2025. (Janes/Christopher Petrov)
Emirati company Calidus Land Systems was awarded a AED2.36 billion (USD642.5 million) contract for its Wahash 8×8 wheeled infantry fighting vehicle (IFV) during the International Defence Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) 2025 held in Abu Dhabi from 17 to 21 February.
The contract was announced by Tawazun Council, which manages procurement for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Armed Forces, on the third day of the show. It did not say how many IFVs would be delivered, but the contract's value is similar to the AED2.43 billion one announced during IDEX 2017 for 400 Rabdan 8×8 IFVs.
Otokar said it would build the first 100 Rabdans in Türkiye, with production then expected to move to the Nimr plant in Abu Dhabi for the remaining 300. The Turkish company said during IDEX 2019 that it had completed the delivery of these vehicles, which were fitted with the same turret as the one used on the UAE Armed Forces' BMP-3 tracked IFVs.
While production was not transferred to the UAE, additional Rabdans were delivered. Janes analysis of the satellite imagery of a parade held in Abu Dhabi on 2 December 2024 showed it included 264 Rabdans.
The only Rabdan displayed at IDEX 2025 was a recovery variant on the outdoor stand of the Edge Group, Nimr's parent company.
Unveiled at IDEX 2019, the Wahash is stated to have a combat weight of 32.5 tonnes with the BMP-3 turret, which leaves enough room for eight dismounts in addition to three crew. It also has an amphibious capability, like the Rabdan.
For more information, please seeIDEX 2025: Calidus launches lighter 8×8 armoured vehicle .
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