IDEX 2025: UAE Introduces Hybrid Armoured Vehicle with 900km Range
The UAE National Guard showcases the Magnus, a hybrid autonomous armoured vehicle with advanced technological features, at the International Defence Exhibition in Abu Dhabi.
ABU DHABI – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) National Guard has unveiled a new hybrid autonomous armoured vehicle called the Magnus during the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) 2025, taking place in Abu Dhabi.
This vehicle boasts a traveling range of up to 900 kilometers and features advanced electrification capabilities.
According to First Lieutenant Abdulla Al Ahmad from the National Guard Capacity Development, the Magnus can operate for 900 km in hybrid mode and for 140 km using its electric mode.
It has a maximum speed of 130 km/h and incorporates enhanced radar systems suitable for night missions, including thermal detection and 360-degree surveillance.
Waleed Al Blooshi, head of communications for Kintsugi, the manufacturer of the Magnus, stated that this vehicle represents a significant shift from traditional military vehicles, which predominantly utilized diesel or petrol engines.
He noted that the hybrid vehicle can operate quietly, reducing the risk of detection and overheating in high-temperature environments.
It is also equipped with built-in drones capable of conducting surveillance missions, covering distances of up to 5 km and flying to heights of 2 km.
The vehicle's design includes internal iPads that allow personnel inside the four-seater to monitor their surroundings, even with the engine turned off, enabling surveillance detection within a 300m radius.
Notably, the design of the Magnus lacks windows in the rear compartment for enhanced security.
Currently, the Magnus is in the prototype stage, with production expected to commence in 2027. Its multipurpose capabilities allow it to traverse various terrains, including sand, mud, rivers, and mountainous areas.
It features a 900-volt capacity powered by an 80 kW battery and can charge associated accessories without needing an external power source.
The vehicle’s design includes a 110-litre diesel tank that can assist in charging the battery as needed.
The Magnus also features a distinct futuristic design with a black matte finish, aiming to combine performance with advanced military technology.
In conjunction with this unveiling, the IDEX 2025 event itself is noted to be the largest in the exhibition's history.
It was inaugurated by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, under the patronage of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
This year's edition features 1,565 companies from 65 countries, a 16% increase from the previous iteration, including 213 companies based in the UAE.
IDEX 2025 includes fresh exhibitors from seven countries, focused discussions on defence innovations, and platforms aimed at startup companies seeking to showcase their advancements.
Noteworthy features include the global CBRNE Hub addressing threats related to chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive weapons.
The event serves as a pivotal platform for international defence partnerships and technological advancements in various defence sectors.