The Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) has taken delivery of dozens of Calidus MCAV-20 armoured vehicles acquired from the United Arab Emirates.
On 20 July, a large number of MCAV-20 vehicles were seen being transported on rails heading to the countries capital Addis Ababa.
The MCAV-20 is one of several vehicles manufactured by Calidus, along with the LRV-20 lightweight 4×4 and Al Wahash 8×8.
Few details are available on the MCAV-20 but based on information from the Calidus website, it may be powered by a 330 hp engine and protected against ballistic and landmine threats. A ‘smart hull design’ allows for the integration of turrets and weapon stations. The vehicle weighs around 7-9 tons and has a top speed of about 110 km/h.
Calidus’ MCAV-20, first presented at the International Defense Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi in 2021, is an armored vehicle designed for high-level crew protection while maintaining exceptional mobility. Powered by a 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engine with 300 horsepower, it can reach speeds of up to 110 kilometers per hour and has a range of 800 kilometers. Its independent suspension system and robust armor, capable of withstanding small arms fire and artillery shrapnel, including a blast-proof underbody, make it ideal for challenging environments.
The versatility of the MCAV-20 extends to its armament capabilities, able to accommodate a 30mm cannon, a 7.62mm machine gun, and a 40mm grenade launcher. The vehicle has been adopted by the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Republican Guard of the Democratic Republic of Congo, as well as Mozambique, and Mauritania.