The Toofan (Persian: طوفان, lit. 'Storm[1] or Hurricane'), sometimes known as Toophan,[2] Toufan[3] or Tufan,[4] is an Iranian MRAP armored vehicle. It was designed and manufactured by the Iranian Ministry of Defence to enter into service with the IRGC Ground Forces and NAJA.[5]
| Toofan | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Closeup of the Toofan MRAP. | |
| Type | MRAP |
| Place of origin |  Iran |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2018–present |
| Used by | Iran |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Logistics |
| Produced | 2018–present |
| Specifications | |
| Crew | 2 |
| Passengers | 10 |
| Armor | Ballistic protection up to STANAG 2/3 |
Main armament | Numerous, including 12.7 HMG. |
| Engine | diesel 360 hp (270 kW) |
| Transmission | Four-wheel drive |
| Maximum speed | 100 km/h |
History
editThe MRAP was first seen at the 2016 IPAS convention in Iran.[1][2] The Toofan was publicly unveiled on November 20, 2018[5] with Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami attending the event.[6] 5 Toofans were initially produced.[7]
After the MRAP was unveiled, Streit Group has mentioned that they are looking into legal options for a redress.[3]
On June 26, 2021, Toofans are shown in a parade held by the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Camp Ashraf, Diyala.[8]
Design
editThe Toofan was developed to provide Iranian forces with a highly mobile vehicle that is capable of carrying out logistics and combat missions in all possible theaters of war.[5][6] The features of the Toofan are that it is ambush protected with ballistic protection to resist land mines, improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and steel core bullets.[5][6] It can be outfitted with STANAG 2 or 3 protection.[3]
It has a 360 hp engine[1] with the Toofan able to drive through 1.5 meters of water and climbing barriers as high as 50 centimeters.[5][6] It can carry up to 10 personnel and is equipped with run-flat tires which enables it to drive for 50 kilometers with a flat tire. A spare tire is mounted on the right side.[2] It can also drive at speeds of up to 100 km/h.[5][6]
The MRAP's components are made in Iran, except for the gearbox, engine and suspension.[2] A V-shaped hull underneath is used to deflect explosions from underneath.[7]
Its appearance resembles the Streit Group’s Typhoon MRAP with similarities based on its physical appearance and its dimensions.[3][4]
Armaments
editThe Toofan can be equipped with semi-heavy weapons onto the tailgate gun shields and turrets if needed,[5][6] including a 12.7 heavy machine gun with gun shield.[2]
Cost
edit
The cost of the program is disclosed but during his address to the press, Brigadier General Hatami stated that "such a vehicle costs around $500,000 in the international market, [while] Iranian experts have manufactured [the] Toofan at a much lower price."[6]
Operators
edit
Iran: Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps[4] and Iranian police (NAJA).[5]
References
edit- ^ a b c "طوفانِ "Mrap" بومی در اوج تحریمها و بدعهدیها/ ایران هم به جمع تولیدکنندگان یک غول میلیون دلاری پیوست عکس". 20 November 2018.
- ^ a b c d e "Toophan". Archived from the original on 2023-08-04.
- ^ a b c d "Iran Made a Big Deal About Its New MRAP". 24 November 2018.
- ^ a b c "Armor: An Iranian MRAP to Deal with Iranians".
- ^ a b c d e f g h "New 4x4 MRAP armored vehicle Toofan for Iranian army". Army Recognition. 2018-11-01.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Iran Unveils New Military Vehicle". Tasnim News Agency. 20 November 2018. Retrieved 29 May 2019.
- ^ a b "Toofan MRAP; armored vehicle resistant to mines, ambushes".
- ^ "Militias Parade Under the PMF Banner (Part 2): Ground Combat Systems | the Washington Institute".
- ^ "ATTN CENTCOM: Iran Built Its Own Iraqi Army". 23 July 2021.
