MAV (Marine Assault Vehicle)

MAV (Marine Assault Vehicle) is an armored amphibious assault vehicle, originally developed by FNSS Defense Systems for the Turkish Armed Forces. It is designed to operate in amphibious operations, enabling the rapid and secure transfer of marine infantry units from landing ships to shore during assault phases, and to provide fire support on land to facilitate the maneuvering of ground forces.

Development and Delivery

Under the leadership of the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB), the MAV (Marine Assault Vehicle) Project was initiated in 2017 to meet the operational needs of the Turkish Naval Forces Command. The serial production of the vehicles, designed in line with these requirements, has been completed, and 27 MAV units have been delivered to the inventory of the Turkish Armed Forces. The vehicles are deployed in personnel carrier, command, recovery, and engineering configurations.

Technical Specifications and Performance

MAV is designed to perform effectively in both land and maritime environments.

Maritime Capabilities:

• Maximum speed of 7 knots
• High maneuverability with powerful water jets
• Self-righting capability after capsizing in rough sea conditions, thanks to its specialized hull design
• Capability to operate between ship-to-shore, shore-to-ship, or island-to-island missions within a wide operational area

Land Capabilities:

• Maximum speed of 70 km/h
• Ability to climb 60% vertical gradients and 40% side slopes
• Can overcome 90 cm vertical obstacles and 2-meter trenches

Protection:

• High levels of ballistic and mine protection

Armament:

• Equipped with the ÇAKA Remote Controlled Turret (RCT) developed by FNSS
• Integrates a 12.7 mm heavy machine gun and a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher weapon system
• Features smoke grenade launchers and a smoke generation system via the power pack

Systems and Communications:

• Integrated communication systems compatible with LHD-class TCG Anadolu ship
• Provides both internal communication and inter-vehicle communication capabilities

Roles and Operational Use

MAV (Marine Assault Vehicle) primarily operates at the frontline of amphibious landing operations, rapidly transporting marine infantry units from landing ships to shore. Once on land, it functions as an armored personnel carrier or a combat vehicle. Additionally, it provides essential fire support required on modern battlefields, enhancing the tactical maneuver capabilities of deployed forces.