Malaysian defence company DRB-Hicom Defence Technologies Sdn Bhd (Deftech) is expected to forge a strategic alliance with United States cross-country vehicle manufacturer, AM General - better known as the maker of the Hummer - in a move expected to strengthen the Angkatan Tentera Malaysia's (ATM, Malaysian Armed Forces) stable of 4x4 light wheeled vehicles.
Leading the charge is this High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) or Hummer, which is expected to be resprayed in ATM colours in time for the Defence Services Asia 2014 (DSA) weapons show in the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur.
The cost of the makeover is expected to be borne by Deftech. The company is also committed to restoring the vehicle, seen here at the Singapore Airshow 2014, to its original warpaint.
Senang Diri understands an announcement between AM General and Deftech can be expected during DSA. The arms exhibition will be held at the Putra World Trade Centre in Kuala Lumpur from 14 to 17 April 2014.
The partnership will be a boost for Malaysia's defence industrial base as it will complement efforts currently underway to build up expertise to manufacture and support armoured fighting vehicles in the Federation.
The Hummer seen above in US Army colours recently completed a series of road and cross-country driving trials in Malaysia.
Senang Diri understands that the firsthand look at the Hummer allowed the ATM to compare and contrast the performance of AM General's best seller with the similar looking Urovesa VAMTAC 4x4 which serves the Malaysian Army. The Spanish-built VAMTAC, which is used by some eight countries, is slightly larger and wider than the Hummer.
VAMTACs serve the ATM as weapon carriers.
The order book for VAMTACs is eclipsed by AM General, which has made some 300,000 Hummers for nearly 60 customers worldwide.