Saudi company ERAF unveils Tares III-16TC1 MRAP vehicle at World Defense Show 2026.

Saudi company ERAF unveiled the Tares III family of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected vehicles at World Defense Show 2026, introducing the Tares III-16TC1 as the mid-weight model within the lineup, positioned between lighter Tares III-10TC1 and heavier Tares III-19TC1 variants.

At World Defense Show 2026, ERAF Industrial Company Ltd unveiled the Tares III family of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles. The lineup includes the Tares III-19TC1, Tares III-16TC1, and Tares III-10TC1, all of which have completed testing and are positioned for production. The Tares III-16TC1 is intended for regular armed forces, national guard, and paramilitary units conducting border and territorial security missions.
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In terms of size, the Saudi Tares III-16TC1 MRAP possesses an overall length of 6.91 m, a width of 2.82 m, and a height of 2.635 m, which increases to 3.625 m when a turret is fitted. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Intended for use by regular armed forces, national guard elements, and paramilitary units tasked with border security and territorial control missions, the Tares III-16TC1, explicitly categorized as an MRAP, has a gross vehicle mass of 16,000 kg and a kerb weight of 8,000 kg, divided between 4,500 kg on the front axle and 3,500 kg on the rear axle. Payload capacity is specified at 8,000 kg, while axle ratings are listed at 8,000 kg for the front axle and 8,500 kg for the rear axle, with maximum permissible axle loads of 7,500 kg at the front and 8,500 kg at the rear. In terms of size, the Saudi MRAP possesses an overall length of 6.91 m, a width of 2.82 m, and a height of 2.635 m, which increases to 3.625 m when a turret is fitted. Protection is specified at STANAG Level III, and the vehicle uses a chassis-based architecture with rigid axles rather than a monocoque hull, which contributes to a lower kerb mass compared to the heavier Tares III-19TC1 while preserving MRAP-level protection.

The Tares III-16TC1 can reach a maximum road speed of 110 km/h and a road range of 600 km, thanks to a fuel tank capacity of 265 L. For rough terrains, the gradeability reaches 60 percent with a side slope capability of 30 percent, values aligned with the broader Tares III family. Power is supplied by a Cummins ISB 6.7 in-line six-cylinder diesel engine with a displacement of 6.7 L, delivering 360 hp at 2,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 1,100 Nm at 1,400 rpm. The engine is paired with an Allison SP Series fully automatic transmission offering six forward gears and one reverse. A Power Line transfer case enables selectable 4x2 and 4x4 drive with High, Low, and Neutral ranges and includes a locking function for both road movement and off-road requirements.

The axle system consists of AWR rigid axles at both the front and rear, with steering integrated into the axle assembly and a differential locking system included. Suspension is based on parabolic leaf springs on both axles, combined with shock absorbers and anti-roll bars, a choice that prioritizes load-bearing capacity and mechanical simplicity. Braking is handled by a full air brake system with disc brakes on both axles coupled with an ABS, while steering assistance is assured by an integral hydraulic servo system. Wheel and tire fit consists of 365/85 R20 tires mounted on 10.00W-20 rims, matched to the vehicle’s axle ratings and gross mass. Compared with the heavier Tares III-19TC1, which uses independent suspension, this configuration trades some cross-country ride performance for reduced weight and structural simplicity.

Standard equipment includes tactical lights, blackout lights, convoy lighting, a central tire inflation system (CTIS), military-grade electrical connectors, air ducting, a 360-degree searchlight, and a 6,800 daN winch. Additional fittings listed for the Tares III-16TC1 include front and rear towing hooks, central locking, external storage boxes, a pioneer kit, antenna brackets, trailer brake capability, and dual air conditioning systems. Crew protection measures include blast-attenuating seats integrated into the interior. These features support sustained operations, recovery capability, and adaptability to different mission profiles. The vehicle layout allows integration of roof-mounted systems, including turrets, without altering the core dimensions of the hull.

The Tares III family is produced by ERAF Industrial Company Ltd, which was established in 1996 and initially focused on mechanical manufacturing and component remanufacturing for defense land systems. The company progressed through reverse engineering and upgrade activities before reaching original vehicle design and development by 2016. The first contracts for ERAF-developed armored vehicles were signed in 2020, and the original Tares vehicle, later referred to as Tares I, was exported to Nigeria and Tunisia with STANAG Level II protection on a Ford F-550 chassis. This was followed by the Tares MkII, based on a Toyota 79 chassis, which entered mass production. The Tares III generation represents the next step in this sequence, incorporating multiple protection levels and structural approaches within a single vehicle family.

A Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle is designed to reduce the effects of mines and improvised explosive devices on vehicle occupants, prioritizing underbody blast mitigation and ballistic protection over maximum maneuverability. Core design features typically include reinforced hull structures, elevated ground clearance, and interior layouts intended to limit injury from blast acceleration and fragmentation. Protection levels are defined to address specific threat classes, while automotive components are selected to handle increased mass. In the Tares III family, these principles are reflected through different structural solutions, with the 19TC1 using a monocoque V-hull at STANAG Level IV, the 16TC1 using a chassis-based layout at STANAG Level III, and the 10TC1 offering a lighter monocoque design with STANAG Level II protection that can be upgraded. This illustrates how MRAP families can be scaled to different threat environments and payload requirements.

Operationally, MRAPs are employed for protected troop transport, convoy escort, route security, and support to operations where explosive threats are prevalent. Their higher mass and protection levels influence suspension choice, axle ratings, braking systems, and powertrain sizing, directly shaping mobility characteristics. Vehicles such as the Tares III-16TC1 combine highway speeds exceeding 100 km/h with controlled off-road performance metrics like 60 percent gradeability and 30 percent side slope capability. MRAP relevance persists in regions where mines and roadside bombs remain a primary risk, particularly for border security and internal stabilization tasks. The availability of multiple MRAP weight classes within a single family could allow forces to balance protection, payload, and mobility according to mission needs.

Written by Jérôme Brahy

Jérôme Brahy is a defense analyst and documentalist at Army Recognition. He specializes in naval modernization, aviation, drones, armored vehicles, and artillery, with a focus on strategic developments in the United States, China, Ukraine, Russia, Türkiye, and Belgium. His analyses go beyond the facts, providing context, identifying key actors, and explaining why defense news matters on a global scale.