A locally produced hybrid autonomous armoured vehicle with up to 900km traveling range and supreme charging capacity, is one of the latest transport technologies set to be adopted by the UAE National Guard.

Featured at the International Defence Exhibition (IDEX) taking place in Abu Dhabi this week, the Magnus seamlessly integrates autonomous navigation, electrification, and defence-grade protection.

Compared to other vehicles used by the National Guard, this vehicle has a higher capacity and longer traveling range. It can travel up to 900km in hybrid mode and 140km in electric mode, with a top speed of 130kmph, said First Lieutenant Abdulla Al Ahmad, from the National Guard Capacity Development. “It has more advanced radars, especially for night missions, featuring thermal detection and 360-degree surveillance,” he added.

“Previously, most military vehicles were strictly diesel or petrol. This is the first one with such advanced electric features,” said Waleed Al Blooshi, head of communications at Kintsugi, the manufacturer of Magnus. The significance of the hybrid feature is not just its environmental benefits, but also its practicality and enhanced security. “As a military vehicle, it can operate quietly without drawing attention and is less likely to overheat in high temperatures.” Furthermore, built-in drones can cover a distance of 5km and fly to an altitude of 2km for surveillance purposes.

“Even when the engine is off, the personnel inside the four-seated vehicle can still benefit from the surveillance system through fitted iPads, allowing them to monitor any surrounding movement within a 300m range.” This feature is particularly useful for backseat personnel, as the vehicle has no windows in the rear section. While the Magnus is currently only available as a prototype, full-scale production is set to begin in 2027.

Magnus can function autonomously in sand, mud, rivers, and mountainous terrain. It is also capable of charging associated accessories without external support, “which comes in handy when in the desert, for instance.” The vehicle features a 900-volt capacity powered by an 80kW battery. “If any accompanying device loses power, there’s no need to search for an external power source – the Magnus is equipped with 110 litres of diesel, which helps boost the battery,” explained Al Blooshi.

With its futuristic design and black matte paint, the Magnus stands out from other armoured vehicles. “We wanted to create a new kind of military vehicle with a unique design – something that is not just eye-catching, but also high-performing with cutting-edge technology,” he concluded.