Calidus MATV

History

The Calidus MATV is a 4×4 armoured tactical vehicle developed and manufactured in the United Arab Emirates. Calidus introduced the platform publicly at IDEX in Abu Dhabi in February 2025 as a modular vehicle intended to support several military roles.

The MATV family combines a 14,000 kg gross vehicle mass with a payload of 3,900 kg. Configurations shown or reported include a five-person multipurpose model, a troop transport version, a reconnaissance vehicle and a missile carrier.

The United Arab Emirates became the first confirmed customer for the MATV family. During IDEX 2025, Tawazun Council announced an AED 1.809 billion contract with Calidus for an unspecified number of MATV vehicles. In September 2026, a MATV was publicly photographed with the UAE Armed Forces Military Police Command.

Development and procurement

Calidus unveiled the MATV during IDEX 2025 in Abu Dhabi. The base MATV001 was presented as a 4×4 multipurpose armoured vehicle. Its development and manufacture were attributed to Emirati engineers, with production associated with Calidus facilities in Abu Dhabi.

During the same exhibition, Tawazun Council, which manages procurement for UAE military and security organizations, announced the AED 1.809 billion MATV acquisition contract. The number of vehicles covered by the agreement was not disclosed.

The MATV is larger than the Calidus MCAV-20. The MATV has a gross vehicle mass of 14,000 kg and a 3,900 kg payload, compared with a reported gross mass of 9,500 kg for the MCAV-20.

Calidus subsequently displayed additional MATV configurations. At IDEF 2025 in Türkiye, the company presented the MATV004 fitted with two quadruple launchers for the Alheda guided missile. The configuration and other MATV details were described in an IDEF 2025 report.

First public appearance with UAE forces

On 4 September 2026, the UAE Ministry of Defence released a photograph from a visit by Major General Sheikh Ahmed bin Taihan al-Nahyan, deputy chief of staff of the UAE Armed Forces, to the Military Police Command. A Calidus MATV and a Nimr Ajban were visible with Military Police personnel.

This was reported as the first public sighting of the MATV with the UAE Armed Forces. The available information does not state how many vehicles had been delivered or establish a formal service-entry date.

Design

The MATV uses a 4×4 chassis and is designed as a modular protected vehicle that can be adapted for different personnel, cargo and weapon configurations. The reported gross vehicle mass is 14,000 kg, with a payload capacity of 3,900 kg.

Mobility

The MATV001 is powered by a 360 hp engine connected to a six-speed automatic transmission. At its stated gross vehicle mass, this corresponds to a power-to-mass ratio of approximately 26 hp per tonne.

The drivetrain includes a two-speed transfer case. Independent double-wishbone suspension is fitted, and the vehicle uses 395/85R20 tires. Reported maximum road speed is 120 km/h, while the stated combat range is 700 km.

Published mobility figures state that the MATV can climb a 70% gradient, operate on a 40% side slope, cross a 400 mm vertical obstacle, negotiate a trench up to 750 mm wide and ford water up to 850 mm deep.

Layout and payload

The MATV001 measures 6.2 m long, 2.6 m wide and 2.4 m high. The base configuration accommodates five personnel, with two occupants in the front and three in the rear. Two front-hinged doors are fitted on each side, while a rear flatbed can carry supplies or mission equipment.

The 3,900 kg payload capacity supports alternative mission equipment, additional protection packages and weapon installations. Reported protection details have not been publicly specified beyond a description of a high protection level according to STANAG 4569, without disclosure of the applicable level.

Weapon integration

The MATV004 is a three-person configuration developed to carry the Calidus Alheda missile system. Reducing the crew from the five-person arrangement of MATV001 provides space for the weapon installation.

The displayed MATV004 carried two quadruple Alheda missile pods, providing eight launcher positions. The vehicle was reported to retain the basic suspension, drivetrain and mobility characteristics of the MATV001.

The Alheda missile is a separate Calidus weapon system. The reported missile has a diameter of 140 mm, a length of 1.8 m and a mass of 37 kg. It has a stated maximum range of approximately 10 km and can use semi-active laser or imaging-infrared terminal guidance, with inertial navigation during the mid-course phase. Reported warhead options include high-explosive and anti-tank types.

Program status

The MATV entered public view as a new Calidus vehicle family in 2025. The UAE procurement contract announced during IDEX established a domestic customer for the platform, although the contracted quantity was not disclosed.

The September 2026 photograph confirms that at least one MATV had reached the UAE Armed Forces Military Police Command by that date. Publicly available information in the supplied sources does not establish the delivery schedule, fleet size or formal operational status of the wider MATV fleet.

Variants

• MATV001: Base 4×4 multipurpose armoured vehicle introduced at IDEX 2025. It accommodates five personnel and has a rear flatbed for cargo or mission equipment.
• Troop transport configuration: Reported personnel carrier version accommodating up to ten personnel. A specific variant number was not provided in the supplied information.
• Reconnaissance configuration: Two-person version intended for reconnaissance duties. A specific variant number was not provided in the supplied information.
• MATV004: Three-person missile carrier configuration displayed with two quadruple launchers for the Calidus Alheda guided missile system.

Operators

• United Arab Emirates: Tawazun Council announced an AED 1.809 billion contract for an unspecified number of MATV vehicles during IDEX 2025. A MATV was publicly photographed with the UAE Armed Forces Military Police Command in September 2026.

Specifications (MATV001)

General characteristics

• Configuration: 4×4 armoured multipurpose vehicle
• Crew and passengers: 5 personnel
• Length: 6.2 m
• Width: 2.6 m
• Height: 2.4 m
• Gross vehicle mass: 14,000 kg
• Payload: 3,900 kg
• Engine output: 360 hp
• Transmission: Six-speed automatic
• Transfer case: Two-speed
• Suspension: Independent double wishbone
• Tires: 395/85R20

Performance

• Maximum road speed: 120 km/h
• Combat range: 700 km
• Maximum gradient: 70%
• Maximum side slope: 40%
• Vertical obstacle: 400 mm
• Trench crossing: 750 mm
• Fording depth: 850 mm