Jordan orders Centurion APC conversions

[BLACKEAGLE]

Dismounts and crew can enter and leave the MAP APC variant, seen here at the JMSS facility in the KADDB Industrial Park in January, using new doors that have been created in the rear or front of the tank chassis. Source: Mohammed Najib

The Jordan Armed Forces (JAF) has ordered four multi-purpose armoured platform (MAP) armoured personnel carriers (APCs), Jordanian defence sources have told IHS Jane's .

The MAP was developed by the King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau (KADDB) from the hulls of the JAF's retired Tariq (Centurion) main battle tanks (MBTs) to create a vehicle with better protection than the M113 APCs currently used by the JAF.

KADDB has also developed other variants including mortar and ammunition carriers.

"KADDB has transformed ex-JAF MBTs into an APC with extra armour and lower costs," KADDB CEO Shadi Majali told IHS Jane's . "We removed the turret, widened the APC by more than 45 cm, put in front and rear doors, and armoured it to be stronger than the M113."

Jordanian defence sources said the four MAPs will be converted by Jordan Manufacturing and Services Solutions (JMSS), a KADDB subsidiary, and are expected to be delivered by June 2014, after which they will be used to support a mechanised battalion. More MAPs are expected to be ordered in the future.

The APC variant can carry two crew and 11 fully equipped dismounts, who can enter the APC either through the rear or the front ramp door.

The Royal Jordanian Army has also shown serious interest in JMSS-modified Scorpion light tanks and Scimitar reconnaissance vehicles, which have new Steyr diesel engines and, in the latter's case, a new 30 mm gun, as well as new fire control and surveillance systems. These would be used to protect air force bases.

According to KADDB sources, Jordan is set to buy about 80 Italian Iveco 105 mm Centauro tank destroyers by June 2014. The vehicles will be rebuilt and requalified by KADDB for the JAF as part of a project that will take between two and three years.

Jordan orders Centurion APC conversions - IHS Jane's 360