Weststar GK-M1/M2
Weststar GK-M1 | |
---|---|
Type | Light Armored Car |
Place of origin | Malaysia |
Production history | |
Manufacturer | Weststar Defence Industries |
Specifications | |
Mass | 4 tonnes |
Length | 5.7meters |
Width | 1.8 meters |
Height | 2 meters |
Main armament | Starstreak missile |
Secondary armament | M2HB Browning 12.7mm |
Suspension | 4x4 |
Maximum speed | 110 km/h |
Weststar GK-M1 is a Malaysian lightweight armored vehicle designed and manufactured by a local company Weststar Defence Industries. This vehicles has similarities to the Humvee made by United States.[1][2]
History
Weststar already delivered an unknown number of this vehicle in 2015.[3] In April 20, 2016, Weststar received another contract from the Malaysian Armed Force to equip them with 44 Weststar GK-M1 Rapid Rover vehicles. An additional 44 were also to be ordered make the total of more than 88 vehicles in service.[4]
During the Defence & Security Exhibition 2015 convention, Thales announced that it had signed a contract to supply the Malaysian military with FORCESHIELD anti-air defense system which is consist of Starstreak missiles, Control Master 200 radar and weapon control system. This system will be install on Weststar GK-M1.[5][6]
Variants
Besides from basic and support variants equipped with machine gun, there are also several specialized variants of the Weststar GK-M1 based on the armament and configuration used.
Air Defence
Air defence variant equipped with Starstreak surface-to-air missiles. This missiles installed on the Lightweight Multiple Launcher (LML) on the rear of the vehicle.
Fitted for Radio
Command and communications vehicle to accommodate communications equipment.
Ambulance
Ambulance vehicle with accommodation of stretchers in the rear compartment.
Light Strike Vehicle (LSV) / Special Operation Vehicle (SOV)
First unveiled in Defence Service Asia 2016. Offered to the Malaysian Army Grup Gerak Khas as Light Strike Vehicle (LSV) and Special Operation Vehicle (SOV).[7]
Operators
- Malaysia 88+ units.
References
- ^ "New Weststar 4x4 Defence Special Operations Vehicle SOV at DSA 2016 11904165". www.armyrecognition.com. Retrieved 2018-12-15.
- ^ "Global Komited (Products)". The Weststar Group. Retrieved 2018-12-15.
- ^ Abas, Marhalim. "Weststar GK-M1 Weapon Platform - Malaysian Defence". Retrieved 2018-12-15.
- ^ "DSA 2016: GK-M1 trials continue - Shephard Media - Aerospace, defence and security news and analysis". web.archive.org. 14 June 2017.
- ^ "Malaysia's Global Komited and Thales sign partnership agreement for distribution of Ground Based Air Defence systems in Malaysia - Thales Group". www.thalesgroup.com.
- ^ "DSA 2016: GK-M1 trials continue - LWI - Land Warfare - Shephard Media". www.shephardmedia.com.
- ^ https://www.malaysiandefence.com/ggk-sov/