Local armoured products specialist manufacturer SVI Engineering has expanded into Saudi Arabia and plans to develop and manufacture a variety of armoured vehicles and military solutions in the country.

The firm, alongside its Saudi partners Shamal Commercial Investments and Hala Auto, owns the newly established SVI Saudi Industries company, which is fully registered in the region and in the process of setting up a factory.

The newly created company will focus its efforts on the growing military, security and civilian sectors in Saudi Arabia, and benefits from SVI’s extensive experience in perfecting products designed to combat crime and save lives in South Africa.

"SVI Saudi Industries marks its official launch at the inaugural World Defense Show 2022 in the capital of Riyadh from March 6 to 9, where it is displaying its versatile MAX 3 light armoured vehicle, the MAX 9 armoured personnel carrier and the popular semi-discreet Stopgun V2.0 armouring package," SVI Engineering says.

The MAX 3 was developed to provide security forces with the required equipment to deal with crime, terrorism, violent demonstrations and regional conflicts. Based on the robust Toyota Land Cruiser 79 chassis, and having inherited its tried-and-tested powertrain, the MAX 3 is available in various body configurations, including an eight-seater called the Troopy.

Meanwhile, the latest version of the MAX 9 is a bespoke military solution that is also adaptable to a multitude of roles. It can be used to transport personnel, serve as a weapons platform, be employed in law enforcement or peacekeeping and even configured into a battlefield ambulance. Power comes courtesy of an efficient but brawny Cummins 6.7-litre turbodiesel engine, which provides motive force through a specially adapted five-speed Allison automatic gearbox.

In addition to the discreet armouring of civilian vehicles, SVI’s semi-discreet Stopgun V2.0 kit will be offered in Saudi Arabia. Already the default choice in South Africa’s mining, security and valuables-in-transit industries, this package delivers a cost-effective B6 armouring solution offering protection against assault rifles, including AK47 and R1.

"SVI’s expansion into Saudi Arabia is the latest evidence of the company’s global standing in the industry and allows it to broaden its overarching mission of saving lives to even further beyond South Africa’s borders," SVI Engineering says.