IDEX 2025 – MATV, a new 4×4 multirole all-terrain vehicle from Calidus
At IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi the local company Calidus showcased a series of new vehicles, among which the MATV, the acronym for Multirole All Terrain Vehicle, which version seen on the ADNEC premises was only one of the many, the base vehicle being declined in multiple variants, EDR On-Line understood
Although protection levels remain classified, under the typical sentence “High Protection Level as per STANAG 4569”, the appearance of the MATV 001 exhibited at the Abu Dhabi exhibition suggested an MRAP-type protection level, fixing points allowing the installation of add-on armour packages, something allowed by the 3,900 kg payload of the vehicle.
The MATV001 has a gross vehicle mass of 14,000 kg, and is powered by a 360 hp engine coupled to an automatic six-speed transmission, which gives a power-to-mass ratio short of 26 hp/t. The 4×4 armoured vehicle by Calidus is fitted with double wishbone independent suspensions and this, together with the two-speed transfer case and the 395/85R20 tires, allow it to deal with difficult cross-country terrain. On road, it can reach a maximum speed of 120 km/h, range being 700 km at cruise speed.
The vehicle is 6.2 metres long, 2.6 metres wide, 2.4 metres high at the top of the roof, and has a 40 mm ground clearance. Its approach and departure angles are both 38°, the MATV001 being capable to climb a 70% gradient and move on a 40% side slope. It can overcome a 400 mm vertical obstacle, a 750 mm trench and ford a water obstacle 850 mm deep. It can carry a 5-man team, with a two-man crew in the front seats and three more personnel in the back seats, the double cabin having two doors per side, all hinged at the front. A rear flatbed allows the transport of resupplies or weapon systems.
To this end, EDR On-Line understood that a version known as MATV004, which hosts only three personnel, is fitted with an Alheda multiple missile launcher. The production of the Alheda by Calidus was announced at the previous edition of IDEX, based on an MoU between the company and Tawazun Technology and Innovation, production being now underway at the Calidus Missile & Defence division. A 140 mm diameter missile, 1,800 mm long, the Alheda has a mass at launch of 37 kg and can reach targets up to 10 km. Two different types of warheads and seekers can be fitted: high explosive or antitank, and semi-active laser or imaging infrared. At IDEX 2025 the Alhedad could be seen installed also on the new LIFV, the 8×8 Light Infantry Fighting Vehicle unveiled at the Abu Dhabi exhibition.
EDR On-Line understood that other variants of the MATV are being developed, one with a single cabin for a two-man crew, and one in the troop transport version hosting a total of up to 10 personnel including the crew.
On Day 1 of the exhibition Tawazun Council announced an AED 1.809 billion (456 million Euro) contract for the acquisition of an undisclosed number of MATVs. One day later a second contract was announced worth 3.76 billion (around 950 million Euro), for an undisclosed number of Alheda missiles.
Photos by P. Valpolini
