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2023-02-01

JAIS Range:Cutting-edge of Protected Mobility

The unpredictable modern battlefield, which often witnesses unbridled use of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and Explosively Formed Projectiles, has prompted a pressing need to create Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles that offer unrivalled protection to troops by combining high ballistic protection and tactical mobility.

This is precisely what has been recognised by UAE’s NIMR, which created the JAIS range of MRAP vehicles in 4X4 and 6X6 variants that are customisable, multi-purpose platforms for all military requirements with maximum protection across diverse terrain on and off-road. Manufactured at NIMR’s 37,500sqm facility in Abu Dhabi, the JAIS vehicle is at the cutting-edge of protected mobility.

Part of the Platforms & Systems cluster within EDGE, one of the world’s leading advanced technology groups for defence and beyond, NIMR is a leading manufacturer of light and medium-weight wheeled military vehicles with complete in-house design, production, and testing capabilities for a variety of platforms to meet a diverse range of user requirements.

The cross-over nature of this family of vehicles makes it the ideal choice for deployment in the volatile and unpredictable combat scenarios.

‘Crew Citadel’

The JAIS is the next generation of MRAP vehicles, providing essential balance between firepower, survivability, but with mobility for modern, conventional and asymmetric operations. Crew survivability is centred on a battle-proven “crew citadel” protection system, protecting against mine, IED and ballistic threats.

The JAIS vehicle architecture supports multiple mission variants and equipment options, such as a full motorised infantry section, with a manned turret or remote weapon system.

The vehicle also provides cost-effective solutions for recce, patrol, utility and specialist roles, such as the ambulance variant.

The highly modular JAIS family of vehicles provide modern suspension and powertrain, high power-to-weight ratio and excellent situational awareness.

The increased payload of the 6x6 version provides a platform to which a multitude of weapons, mission equipment and enhanced protection systems can be added without sacrificing the vehicle mobility performance. The JAIS 6x6 is an ideal platform to compliment the 4x4 version, allowing users to meet a diverse range of requirements.

Designed to Last

The JAIS vehicle design ensures ease of maintenance and serviceability across the class, with maximum commonality between the 4x4 and 6x6 versions. This greatly reduces the logistics footprint and lifecycle costs associated with supporting the JAIS vehicle fleet.

While the armoured hull of the vehicle is divided into three segments with the driver and commander positions and engine at the front and the troops’ section at the rear, the forward hull is fitted with a large and wide screen that offers exceptional field view for the driver and commander.

The vehicle can accommodate seven personnel, including two crew and five troops. A hydraulic door and a hydraulically-operated large ramp enable the entry and exit of the occupants.

The JAIS 4×4 vehicle has a length of 6m , an overall width of 2.79m and a height of 2.63m. The gross vehicle weight (GVW) of the MRAP vehicle is up to 21,000kg while its maximum payload capacity is 3,200kg.

The vehicle can also be optionally equipped with a ride height management system, health, usage, and monitoring system, a fire suppression system, command, control, computer, communications and intelligence (C4I) and situational awareness systems, driver aids, along with other critical features.

Tactical Mobility

JAIS vehicles incorporate independent suspension with several options providing unparalleled tactical mobility on and off-road. The vehicle architecture has been developed to meet the harshest operational and environmental conditions. The vehicles offer steep approach and departure angles, central tyre inflation system, and run-flat inserts as standard.

Protective System

JAIS variants offer a high degree of protection to enhance crew survivability from roadside IEDs, under-vehicle mines and ballistic threats. These tested and certified vehicles provide physical crew security. Roof-mounted self-defence weapons, integrated command and control, and mission systems ensure additional crew survivability.

The JAIS class also provides multi-mission capabilities in a platform suitable for mounting and integrating a multitude of weapon and mission systems. The electronic architecture ensures communication integration, and the advanced power management system both enables the mission and protects the vehicle.

Weapon Tower

The JAIS 4×4 armoured vehicle can be installed with roof-mounted one/two-man light and medium-size turrets armed with up to 20mm calibre guns. It can be mounted with a remotely-controlled weapon station (RCWS) armed with a 7.62mm or a 12.7mm machine gun. This type of weapon system consists of a sophisticated weapon tower featuring electro-optical sights and allows the system to be operated from inside under the armour of the vehicle with a high degree of precision.

Engine Power

The JAIS 4×4 mine-protected vehicle is powered by a Caterpillar engine with a power output of 450hp (336kW). The engine is coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission. The 4×4 also comes with standard equipment such as a power management system, run-flat tyres, and a central tyre inflation system.

The vehicle has a maximum road speed of 105km/h and a maximum cruising range of 700km. It features double-wishbone independent suspension with hydro-pneumatic struts for high mobility in all-terrain conditions, while wheels are fitted with air-actuated disk brakes for better control on varied surfaces.

The vehicle can negotiate a gradient of 60 per cent and a vertical step of 600mm.

Standard Accessories

The JAIS MRAP vehicle standard equipment includes a power management system, run-flat tyre system, and central tyre inflation system. A self-recovery winch is mounted at the front of the hull. In option, the JAIS vehicle can be fitted with a full range of equipment as an RPG (Rocket-propelled grenade) protection system, Battlefield Management System (BMS), C4I System, night/day vision, SAS (Situational Awareness System), and display monitor.

The blast protection seats are designed to minimise the potential for injury to occupants when the vehicle detonates a mine.

Camera Focus

Camera facilities include: Night vision, Day vision, Situational awareness system (SAS) and Display monitor.

JAIS in S.Arabia

At the 2021 International Defence Exhibition and Conference (IDEX), NIMR signed a Teaming Agreement with Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, to establish a framework for future collaboration to explore opportunities for the JAIS 4x4 vehicle in Saudi Arabia.

At the World Defense Show 2022, SAMI and NIMR signed into the next phase of their partnership through a manufacturing license agreement, enabling the local manufacture of the JAIS vehicle and developing Saudi Arabia’s supply chain capabilities.

The synergy aligns seamlessly with the Saudi Vision 2030 that underlines the country’s commitment to reaching the goal of localising industry and diversifying the economy.

The agreement to transfer technology and knowledge to Saudi Arabia’s defence manufacturing sector, contributed to the Saudi Vision 2030 objective of localising over 50 per cent of the military equipment spending by 2030.

SAMI selected NIMR as its preferred local partner due to its strategic position as a key enabler of the Saudi Vision 2030.

The JAIS 4x4 competed against a range of vehicles in demanding trials arranged by SAMI and conducted by military experts in Saudi Arabia. The exceptional performance of the battle-tested platform in the trials paved the way for new opportunities for the vehicle in Saudi Arabia.

This agreement represents the first military collaboration between Saudi Arabia and the UAE and is a major step in boosting the already robust relations between the two nations. The agreement marked the beginning of a new era of collaboration in the military sector between the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

SAMI also unveiled a new version of the JAIS 4x4 MRAP vehicle that it is producing under licence from NIMR.

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