Singapore’s ST Engineering to develop new 8×8 amphibious armored vehicle for Kazakhstan
On December 6, 2024, the Singaporean company ST Engineering entered into a strategic partnership with Kazakhstan Paramount Engineering (KPE) to establish in-country production for a new 8×8 amphibious multi-purpose armored vehicle. The vehicle will be based on the Terrex Infantry Fighting Vehicle, a design developed by ST Engineering and engineered to operate in open water conditions. The agreement marks ST Engineering’s first major land platform contract in recent years and its entry into the Central Asian defense market.
Production of the vehicle will begin in 2025 at KPE’s facility in Kazakhstan, which has an annual production capacity of 500 armored vehicles. KPE Chairman Aibek Baryssov highlighted the company’s production capabilities and experience in localized manufacturing, as well as its ability to meet operational needs specific to Kazakhstan’s geographic conditions. Future collaborative projects between KPE and ST Engineering are also under consideration.
ST Engineering President of Land Systems, Lim Kok Ann, stated that the agreement represents a significant development for the company’s Land Systems business, facilitating entry into a new market. The partnership aligns with ST Engineering’s strategy of localization, licensing, and operational support to address customer demands for strengthening indigenous capabilities and creating resilient supply chains.
The Terrex vehicle family is designed for modularity, offering multiple configurations to meet diverse operational requirements. Key specifications include gross vehicle weights of up to 35,000 kg, payload capacities of up to 12,000 kg, and seating for two to three crew members with up to 11 passengers. The platform is configurable with a variety of weapon systems, such as remote-controlled 30mm cannons, 105mm cannons, and 120mm mortars. Mobility features include independent suspension, ride-height control, and amphibious capabilities at Sea State 3. The vehicles can reach speeds exceeding 88 km/h on land and have an operational range of more than 520 km.
The Terrex platform also incorporates protective systems designed for modular upgrades. The base armor provides protection against small arms and artillery fragments, with options for higher levels of ballistic protection. The double V-shaped hull design increases survivability against mine blasts, deflecting explosive forces and maintaining mobility after detonations. Additional features include NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protection and centralized battlefield management systems.
ST Engineering, headquartered in Singapore, operates across aerospace, defense, and public security sectors. The company reported revenue exceeding $10 billion in FY2023 and serves customers in over 100 countries. The Terrex platform, developed with Timoney Technology, has been adopted by several countries and marketed globally. Variants of the Terrex, including the Terrex 2 and Terrex 3, have been evaluated in programs such as the U.S. Marine Corps’ Amphibious Combat Vehicle initiative and Australia’s LAND 400 program.
KPE, which specializes in the production of armored vehicles and localization of defense manufacturing, will utilize its facilities to meet the requirements of the Kazakh Armed Forces. The production partnership focuses on enhancing local defense manufacturing capabilities while ensuring compatibility with the operational needs of Kazakhstan.