UAE LIFV Sweihan infantry fighting vehicles
A Sweihan infantry fighting vehicle with a 35mm cannon at the Dubai Airshow 2025. Photo: Bmpd.livejournal.com
The United Arab Emirates continues to independently develop advanced armored vehicles and showcases the results. At this year's exhibitions, the Calidus group of companies presented two variants of the new LIFV Sweihan wheeled platform. Two advanced infantry fighting vehicles with similar characteristics and different armaments have already been developed on this platform.
Evolutionary approach
The Kalidus military-industrial group has been developing its own wheeled armored vehicle designs for some time. For example, in 2019, it first unveiled the Wahash prototype infantry fighting vehicle. This vehicle subsequently underwent testing and demonstrated all its expected performance characteristics.
In February 2025, the UAE hosted the IDEX exhibition, where a contract for the delivery of these IFVs was signed. The Emirati army ordered an undisclosed number of Wahash vehicles for a total value of over $640 million. Delivery dates were also not disclosed.
At the same exhibition, the Calidus group unveiled its new development—the LIFV (Light Infantry Fighting Vehicle) wheeled armored platform. Essentially, it was a thorough modernization of the existing Wahash product. The existing platform was optimized to be smaller and lighter, while the main components remained the same.
The LIFV platform was reportedly compatible with various roof-mounted weapon stations. At IDEX 2025, this capability was demonstrated using the Nefer module from the Turkish company Aselsan. Along with this module, the IFV received a 30mm cannon, a 7,62mm machine gun, and guided missiles. missiles.
A prototype LIFV IFV with the Nefer module, presented at IDEF-2025. Photo: Euro Defense Review
As is now known, the Kalidus Group of Companies continued to develop the existing project. The latest result of this process was unveiled in mid-November at the Dubai Airshow 2025. The open-air display included a wheeled infantry fighting vehicle called the Sweihan.
This armored vehicle uses the already familiar LIFV chassis, but carries different weapons. A new type of remotely controlled weapon station, developed by the Calidus group, is mounted on the roof of its hull. Its main weapon — 35mm automatic cannon. In terms of layout, appearance, and intended capabilities, this module is similar to some foreign developments.
The Sweihan IFV exists as a prototype, equipped with at least some of the necessary components. It is currently undergoing factory testing and confirming some of its characteristics. It is unknown whether the new combat module is ready for testing. However, it is clear that full testing of the new vehicle will only be possible after the development of this component is complete.
The commercial prospects of the new IFV also depend on these processes. Until it confirms its design characteristics, interest from potential customers will be limited. Meanwhile, demonstrating its potential at the test site will attract attention and help secure contracts.
Wheeled platform
The LIFV platform was reportedly developed on the basis of the older Wahash vehicle. A new, smaller armored hull and several other components were developed for it. Along with its dimensions, the hull volume was reduced, and the vehicle lost its amphibious capability. At the same time, the same powerplant and chassis were retained.
Sweihan and other UAE developments. Photo by Calidus
The LIFV platform is similar in appearance and design to other modern vehicles in its class. It is a four-axle vehicle with a forward-mounted engine compartment, behind which is the control compartment. The central and aft sections are dedicated to troop transport.
The hull is welded from armor plates of varying shapes and thicknesses. Add-on modules are also available. The exact level of protection is unknown. Apparently, the frontal armor is designed to withstand small-caliber projectiles, while the rest of the hull is protected from bullets and shrapnel. The additional modules should significantly improve protection.
The overall length of this platform does not exceed 8 meters, the width is 3 meters, and the height (at the roof) is 2,4 meters. The vehicle is lighter than similar vehicles and has a significant payload capacity. The previously unveiled IFV with the Nefer cannon and machine gun module has an unladen weight of 13,5 tons. The gross combat weight is 20,5 tons. With the new configuration, equipped with a 35mm cannon, the unladen weight increases to 21 tons, and the gross weight to 27 tons. Additional equipment can be installed, increasing the weight to 34 tons.
The LIFV platform, like the Wahash IFV, is equipped with a Scania DC13 diesel engine producing 724 hp. It is mated to a ZF 7 AP 2600 SP automatic transmission and a Katsa MKAT100539 transfer case. The vehicle features independent suspension developed by Kalle. Each wheel has two wishbones and a hydropneumatic shock absorber. The latter allows for ground clearance adjustments of 450 and 650 mm. The large-diameter wheels are equipped with inserts for running with a punctured tire. A tire inflation and pressure regulation system is also included.
Like other wheeled armored vehicles, the LIFV is expected to demonstrate high performance. Its road speed will reach 120-130 km/h. Its cruising range will be at least 600-700 km.
The control compartment is located behind the engine compartment. The driver and commander have their own hatches in the roof of the hull. A distinctive low, wide armored windshield is used for improved visibility.
The platform features a distinctive windshield for the commander and driver. Photo by Calidus
The vehicle's crew consists of up to three people: commander, driver, and gunner. The troop compartment accommodates eight soldiers. Entry and exit are via a folding rear ramp. Roof hatches are also available.
Armament complex
The LIFV platform can carry various combat modules with the necessary weapons. However, there are limitations on the weight and design of such equipment. Specifically, the module must be fully mounted on the roof of the hull and not occupy any internal space.
At IDEX 2025, an IFV equipped with the Aselsan Nefer combat module was demonstrated. This compact, unmanned turret carries the typical armament and equipment configuration for such systems. The frontal section houses an oscillating mount with a 30mm 2A42 cannon. To the right of this is an optoelectronic sight. The roof houses a separate compact module with a 7,62mm machine gun. Two containers for Al Heda guided missiles are mounted on the left side.
In this configuration, the LIFV IFV, using missiles, can engage armored vehicles and other hardened targets at ranges of up to 10 km. The effective range of the cannon and machine gun is significantly shorter, but they can engage other targets, including personnel.
The Sweihan prototype IFV has a different combat module, the name of which has not yet been revealed. It is larger in size and features a different configuration. The "main caliber" of this module is a 35mm automatic cannon, enclosed in a distinctive casing. It is designed to fire ammunition with a programmable fuse. It also has a twin machine gun. A single fire control unit with optics and a compact radar is mounted on the roof of the module.
The new combat module is capable of engaging various targets on the ground and in the air. Its radar, electronic system, and associated control instruments allow for more precise target tracking, while programmable projectile detonation should increase the probability of hitting them.
The crew compartment. The crew stations and troop seats are visible. Photo by Calidus
Potential and Prospects
The UAE's military industry continues to develop various classes of equipment and regularly showcases the results of its work. Several years ago, it unveiled the Wahash wheeled platform, and recently developed a new lightweight chassis based on it. Furthermore, two IFV variants with different configurations and combat capabilities have already been produced on this chassis.
In terms of overall appearance and configuration, the two versions of the LIFV/Sweihan products are virtually indistinguishable from other modern equipment in their class. Calidus used proven solutions and off-the-shelf components in its designs, avoiding any radical or overly daring innovations.
It can be assumed that the Sweihan/LIFV project should be no different from other modern developments in terms of characteristics and capabilities. It provides the same level of protection, firepower, mobility, and so on. The ability to install different combat modules and weapons is also not a fundamental difference.
Overall, it can be said that the Kalidus Group has mastered current solutions and is ready to produce typical modern armored vehicles with all their features. However, the commercial prospects of such products are still questionable. They lack any fundamental advantages over competitors, and winning tenders will be difficult.
However, Calidus is not currently seeking to enter the international military equipment market. Its primary interest is in contracts with its own army, and these plans are being successfully fulfilled. It already has a fairly large order book, which is being fulfilled, and in February, a contract for the Wahash IFV was added to it. The UAE may also soon order new LIFV/Sweihan vehicles for its ground forces.
Information