The UAE has unveiled a new lightweight LIFV 8x8 BMP based on the Wahash platform, which was previously showcased with a Ukrainian combat module.

The Emirati company Calidus showcased the LIFV 8×8 light infantry fighting vehicle at the international exhibition IDEX-2005.

The LIFV is equipped with a turret produced by the Turkish company Nefer, featuring a 30-mm automatic cannon 2A42 and a 7.62 mm caliber machine gun. The choice of this cannon is based on standardization, as the main buyer is expected to be the UAE, where BMP-3 vehicles are actively used, which utilize the same 30-mm shells.

In addition to the cannon and machine gun, the LIFV is equipped with two launchers for Alheda anti-tank guided missiles, likely of the A2 modification, which has a range of 6 km. The warhead can be either tandem or thermobaric, and guidance is achieved through semi-active laser or infrared homing.

The earlier version, Wahash, could be outfitted with various combat modules and turrets, such as the turret from the BMP-3 with enhanced optics, specifically for the UAE variant. However, at the international exhibition IDEX 2019, Wahash was presented with the BM-3M "Shturm-M" combat module, armed with: a 30-mm automatic cannon ZTM-1, a 7.62 mm caliber machine gun, an automatic grenade launcher KBA-117, and the anti-tank guided missile "Barrier".

The LIFV is built on the Wahash 8×8 platform, but the new vehicle features a slightly different hull and a lower profile than its predecessor, measuring 2.4 x 2.9 x 8 meters (compared to 2.7 x 3.1 x 8.5 meters for the Wahash). The total weight is 27 tons, with a maximum weight capacity of 34-36 tons for the chassis.

The new vehicle also lacks the ability to swim due to the absence of an amphibious power unit and reduced dimensions while maintaining a similar weight. The powertrain and transmission remain unchanged: a Scania DC13 diesel engine producing 724 hp, so it is likely to achieve a speed similar to its predecessor at 130 km/h on the road.

The level of protection for the LIFV has not been specified, but the Wahash was rated to STANAG 4569 level 4, which means it could withstand: a 14.5 mm x 114 bullet from a distance of 200 meters; an explosion from a 10 kg anti-tank mine; and shrapnel from a 155 mm high-explosive shell at a distance of 25 meters.

However, due to the absence of a V-shaped bottom in the LIFV, its resistance to mines will be lower than that of its predecessor. The LIFV can carry up to 10 troops (compared to 8 in the Wahash), and the doors have been replaced with a ramp, allowing for quicker and more convenient disembarkation.