The Malaysian Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) officially inducted and named two new high-mobility land tactical vehicle platforms for the Malaysian Army during a ceremony at Wisma Pertahanan today, marking the public debut of both assets in their final operational configurations. Officiated by Defence Minister Dato’ Seri Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, the Army’s new Weapon Carrier Vehicle (WCV) were officially designated as the “Tedung” (Cobra), while the High Mobility Reconnaissance Vehicle (HMRV) were designated as the “Kala” (Scorpion). Procured through local defense contractor High Point Worldwide Sdn Bhd under combined procurement packages totaling MYR 164.91 million ($37.4 million), the acquisition introduces a total of 263 light tactical vehicles aimed at substantially enhancing tactical movement, battlefield maneuverability, and reconnaissance capabilities across diverse operational theaters.
Under the MYR 92.91 million ($21 million) contract component, High Point Worldwide is supplying 163 units of the Tedung platform, split into 80 Automatic Grenade Launcher (AGL) and 83 Heavy Machine Gun (HMG) weapon carrier variants, with public procurement records confirming individual unit costs of approximately MYR 570,000 ($129,000). Built upon the Brazilian Agrale Marruá AM250 Double Cab 4×4 chassis, the Tedung is powered by a Cummins F3.8 intercooled turbocharged diesel engine delivering 170 hp (125 kW) and 600 Nm of torque, paired with an Allison six-speed automatic transmission. Designed for high versatility, the vehicle features full-time four-wheel drive, a 350 mm ground clearance, a 58-degree approach angle, and gradeability metrics of 60 percent on paved surfaces and 40 percent off-road; notably, the modular platform will also be adapted into Fitted for Radio (FFR), Gun Towing Vehicle (KPM), and Command Vehicle variants to fulfill broader operational requirements.
Complementing the weapon carriers, the Kala platform represents a dedicated High Mobility Reconnaissance Vehicle (HMRV) configuration, with 100 units being delivered under a separate MYR 72 million ($16.3 million) contract to bolster fast-response tactical reconnaissance units. Visually aligned with the Canadian Can-Am Maverick off-road buggy architecture, the four-person asset is powered by a Rotax 900cc ACE turbocharged engine generating up to 200 hp, coupled with a selectable 2WD/4WD drive system, front differential lock, and specialized cross-country suspension. The lightweight platform boasts a 330 mm ground clearance, a 500 mm water-fording depth, and the capability to clear 300 mm vertical obstacles and 500 mm trenches, ensuring rapid tactical agility and deep-terrain penetration for reconnaissance elements operating in rugged environments.
The public unveiling marked the first time High Point Worldwide—which did not participate in Defense Services Asia (DSA) 2026—displayed both platforms in full army specification, complete with company branding. High Point’s selection reflects a continuing procurement pattern by the Malaysian Armed Forces, which has historically awarded consolidated light vehicle contracts to single contractors such as Deftech, Global Komited, and Cendana Auto. Moving forward into fleet integration, both the Tedung and Kala will be delivered in standard single-tone Army green paint schemes; ministry officials noted that the Army’s expensive digital camouflage pattern will strictly be reserved for primary armored combat platforms, including the Gempita 8×8, Pendekar main battle tanks, and Adnan tracked armored vehicles.
