Saudi Arabia Reveals TARES-II-5TT3 Armored Vehicle for Urban and Internal Security Missions.

Saudi defense manufacturer ERAF Industrial Company Ltd. has showcased the TARES-II-5TT3 Al Khobra armored vehicle at the World Defense Show 2026. The multi-role platform underscores Saudi Arabia’s push to localize armored vehicle production while addressing modern operational needs in dense and complex terrain.

ERAF Industrial Company Ltd. presented its armored vehicle, the TARES-II-5TT3 Al Khobra, during the World Defense Show 2026, positioning the platform as a flexible solution for military, internal security, and law enforcement missions. Displayed as part of ERAF’s expanding portfolio of domestically manufactured ground systems, the vehicle aligns with Saudi Arabia’s broader defense industrial strategy to build local production capacity while meeting operational demands in urban and high-risk environments, according to company statements at the exhibition.
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The TARES-II-5TT3 Al Khobra presents a functional layout focused on troop transport and situational awareness. (Picture source: ArmyRecognition)

The TARES-II-5TT3 Al Khobra is configured as a 4x4 armored vehicle designed to support patrol, escort, and troop transport tasks. According to the provider information, the vehicle combines ballistic and blast protection with mobility suitable for both urban areas and difficult off-road conditions. Its intended users include armed forces, security agencies, and police units operating in environments exposed to small arms fire, explosive devices, and civil unrest scenarios.

The vehicle measures approximately 5,120 millimeters in length, 2,180 millimeters in width, and 2,650 millimeters in height. This footprint places the TARES II 5TT3 Al Khobra in the category of compact armored personnel carriers rather than heavy mine-resistant platforms. Propulsion is provided by a diesel engine rated at around 231 horsepower, paired with a manual transmission offering five forward gears and one reverse gear. This configuration emphasizes mechanical robustness and maintainability, particularly for users operating in austere conditions. The vehicle accommodates up to eight personnel, including the driver, allowing it to transport a full security team within a protected compartment.

Protection is a central feature of the TARES-II-5TT3-Al Khobra design. Ballistic protection is specified at level B7, providing resistance against 7.62 mm armor-piercing ammunition. The same B7 level is applied to the armored glass and fuel tank protection, indicating a uniform approach to survivability across critical systems. Anti-mine and blast protection is described as compliant with DM01 standards against explosive threats, although no direct reference to NATO STANAG levels is provided, suggesting that certification may vary depending on customer requirements or optional upgrades.

The vehicle is equipped with a roof-mounted firing position or turret, enabling the integration of weapons or observation systems while maintaining crew protection. Firing ports are installed on both sides of the hull, allowing embarked personnel to engage threats from inside the armored cabin. The braking system is reinforced to account for the additional mass generated by armor protection, while the suspension is adapted to support operations on paved roads, desert tracks, and uneven terrain. Additional features include run-flat tires, an onboard fire suppression system, and reinforced front and rear bumpers to enhance survivability during collisions or hostile encounters.

The TARES-II-5TT3 Al Khobra presents a functional layout focused on troop transport and situational awareness. Seating arrangements support the full complement of personnel, while the driver’s station relies on conventional automotive controls to reduce training complexity. Electrical power is supplied by two Optima batteries, and the vehicle is prepared for the integration of military communication systems and mission-specific equipment. The provider information also highlights compatibility with non-lethal systems such as tear gas launchers, underlining the vehicle’s suitability for internal security and crowd control missions in addition to military roles.

The overall concept of the TARES II 5TT3 Al Khobra emphasizes versatility rather than specialization. Positioned between lightly armored patrol vehicles and heavier mine-resistant designs, it offers a balance between protection, capacity, and mobility. This approach aligns with current procurement trends among security forces seeking adaptable armored platforms capable of operating in densely populated areas without the logistical constraints associated with heavier vehicles.

The TARES-II-5TT3 Al Khobra illustrates ERAF Industrial Company Ltd.’s ambition to position itself as a national manufacturer of armored vehicles within Saudi Arabia’s defense industrial ecosystem. By developing a modular and export-oriented platform, ERAF targets both domestic requirements and external markets. As demand continues to grow for cost-controlled, multi-role armored vehicles across the Middle East, Africa, and other regions facing internal security challenges, vehicles such as the TARES-II-5TT3 Al Khobra are likely to proliferate among military and security forces seeking protected mobility solutions with flexible operational applications.