IDEX 2023: Nimr Showcases Upgraded LRSOV 

Military vehicle specialist Nimr, a subsidiary of the United Arab Emirates’ EDGE Group, launched an upgraded version of its 4×4 Long Range Security Operations Vehicle (LRSOV) at the IDEX 2023 defence exhibition, held in Abu Dhabi from 20-23 February 2023.

The upgraded LRSOV features a high-strength rollover protection system, an adaptive roof ring mounting, a removable and foldable roof structure for ease of transportation, and the ability to be airlifted by helicopter as an underslung load. Designed to offer exceptional off-road performance, the LRSOV is especially suited to long-range reconnaissance missions typically undertaken by special forces units.

Developed from Nimr’s range of Ajban 4×4 tactical vehicles, the LRSOV was officially launched at IDEX in 2015. It is 5.7 m long, 2.35 m wide, 2.1 m high and seats a crew of four (with a fifth seat as an option). The vehicle has a base weight of 5,000 kg and a payload of 3,000 kg beyond that. Its engine is rated at 221 kW (296 hp) and it has a cruising range of 700 km.

Standard features for the LRSOV include a winch, a central tyre inflation system and runflat inserts.

As a platform the LRSOV provides a high degree of all-round situational awareness. Regarding armaments, it features a high-mounted heavy machine gun ring and there are gun mounts at all crew positions. The vehicle also can optionally be fitted with ballistic and blast protection to improve survivability.

The modular nature of the vehicle’s design allows for various configurations, depending on the mission and user requirements.

Following a successful trial, Nimr recently secured an order from the Algerian Land Forces for 10 LRSOVs, which are to be delivered by the end of 2023.

Nimr CEO Abri du Plessis was quoted by EDGE on 24 February as saying, “Signing this deal with our long-standing partners in Algeria demonstrates not only the quality and performance of our new LRSOV, but also EDGE and Nimr’s commitment to increasing national exports in line with the UAE Leadership’s directive. Our upgraded LRSOV is light, powerful, and mobile for traversing all terrains, and we are confident that it will fulfill the Algerian Land Forces’ operational requirements and strengthen their defence capabilities.”

Peter Felstead