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Read in JDW that the PT91M has gone into serial production of the 48 ordered. 3 were delivered for trials in May this year. 6 more were delivered for the Merdeka day celebrations.
Yup that's true, here's an article in the star about it.
Polish tanks being tested after delivery
By PAUL GABRIEL
KUALA LUMPUR: Six of the 48 PT-91M
Twardy main battle tanks, ordered from Poland for the army, have been delivered and are undergoing tests here.
The remaining
Twardy (which means tough in Polish) tanks and 14 support/military vehicles, sought under an RM1.4bil military deal signed in 2003, will arrive in batches.
The deal made big news as it was the maiden acquisition of main battle tanks for the armed forces.
Previously, the army only had 26 of the British-made Scorpion 90 light tanks.
The Polish tanks were chosen over other battle tank designs due to their lighter combat weight (42 tonnes), which better suit local terrain and soil conditions.
Army use: The PT-91M Twardy tank, which made its appearance at the 50th Merdeka parade recently, was chosen over other designs due to its lighter combat weight.
The six tanks, assigned to the Royal Armoured Corps based in Gemas, Negri Sembilan, made their maiden public appearance at the 50th Merdeka parade.
A Defence Ministry spokesman said military personnel were testing the tanks and an official launching ceremony would be held later.
The contract with Poland also covers defence technology transfer to Malaysia and training courses for local military personnel in Poland.
The “after-sales service” from Poland will include setting up an ammunition manufacturing depot and tank repair plant here.
Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who inked the tank deal with Poland, will inspect the tanks soon.
Polish Ambassador to Malaysia Eugeniusz Sawicki said the arrival of the first batch of tanks signalled a proud moment for his country’s military industry.
“The tank deal was clinched after long negotiations. The tanks have been custom-made for Malaysia’s requirements,” he said.
MMC Defence Sdn Bhd, which specialises in armoured vehicle technology, is involved in the project with Bumar Labedy, the tank’s manufacturers. The anti-explosion tanks, which had upgraded speed, power, communications system and firing range, can manoeuvre to reach difficult terrain.
