"Toofan" Tactical Vehicle; A Shield for Security Defenders in the Face of "Roadside Mines"

TEHRAN (Defapress) - Human Resources within the armed forces undergo numerous training courses aimed at enhancing the country's defensive capabilities and, after months of effort, become military personnel. After several months of training, these forces can carry out various missions in the armed forces as experienced elements.

It is abundantly clear that preserving the lives of trained military personnel during missions is a fundamental priority, as these forces are among the primary factors in ensuring security. They must be able to counter enemy aggression while maintaining their own safety.

Due to its unique security conditions and sharing thousands of kilometers of borders with countries such as Pakistan and Afghanistan, which lack stable security and serve as havens for terrorists, our country requires specialized equipment along the borders to protect the lives of its forces. In this regard, the Border Guard Command, the Islamic Republic of Iran Army's Ground Forces, and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Ground Forces are prioritized, as they are fully exposed to sudden terrorist attacks during border missions, tragic scenes of which we have witnessed in the past.

One of the pieces of equipment that helps preserve the lives of forces in various conditions is the MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle. An MRAP is a type of armored military vehicle that protects forces against sudden military threats such as roadside bombs, landmines, and terrorist actions.

One of the powerful MRAPs manufactured by the Islamic Republic of Iran is the tactical vehicle "Toofan", a product of the Ministry of Defense and Armed Forces Logistics of the Islamic Republic of Iran. This tactical vehicle is specifically designed for areas where terrorist operations or sabotage by enemies of the Islamic Republic of Iran are likely.

The most important feature of the "Toofan" tactical vehicle is its robust resistance against several tons of TNT, demonstrating the vehicle's serious resilience against sudden terrorist operations. This is crucial, as in the southeastern region of the country, outlaws and terrorists use roadside bombs and anti-personnel mines to confront military forces, including border guards and the IRGC Ground Forces.

With dimensions of 7 meters by 3 meters, the "Toofan" tactical vehicle can also withstand steel-core bullets. It can be a significant aid to the IRGC Ground Forces and Faraja patrols in special conditions. This vehicle is capable of overcoming specialized obstacles, traversing water channels up to 1.5 meters deep, and crossing vertical obstacles over 50 cm in height.

There are varying reports regarding the vehicle's capacity, but investigations indicate that its primary capacity under suitable conditions is approximately 10 personnel. This means that if a 10-member military patrol is conducted, roadside bombs cannot harm these 10 individuals.

The website "Iran Press", referencing the production of the "Toofan" tactical vehicle in the military industries of the Islamic Republic of Iran, stated: "This tactical vehicle is resistant to 7.62mm caliber bullets. Additionally, the 'Toofan' can defend against 8 kg of TNT."

The website further highlighted the capabilities of the "Toofan" tactical vehicle, noting: "The 'Toofan' can withstand the blast wave of a 155mm caliber shell from a distance of 60 meters."

The website "ISW" (Institute for the Study of War) also discussed the capabilities of the "Toofan" tactical vehicle, stating: "With a weight of approximately 12 tons, an 8-cylinder engine, and a 'ZF' class transmission, this vehicle can reach speeds of up to 100 km/h and demonstrates acceptable performance against heavy explosive obstacles." Regarding the vehicle's capacity, the website wrote: "Equipped with wide tires, this tactical vehicle can carry 10 personnel and has an operational range of about 1,100 kilometers."

Another crucial aspect of this vehicle is the curvature of the "Toofan" MRAP's underbelly. The V-shaped hull of the vehicle ensures the safety of personnel during combat and pursuit scenarios.

Media reports indicate that certain units of the IRGC Ground Forces, such as the Imam Mahdi Brigade (May God Hasten His Reappearance), have been equipped with this tactical vehicle.

The exceptional security conditions in the northwest, southeast, and west of the country necessitate the production of more such vehicles to ensure that all expert military forces in these regions have the necessary safety and security while carrying out their missions.