Published: Thursday, 16 April 2015 16:00

Iran unveils the Aghareb or Aqareb a new 8x8 armoured vehicle armed with a 90mm cannon.

On Wednesday, April 15, 2015, Iran has unveiled a new 8x8 combat armoured vehicle equiped with a 90 mm cannon, under the name of Aghareb or Aqareb . In recent years, Iran has made great achievements in its defense sector and attained self-sufficiency in producing essential military equipment and systems.


New Iranian-made Aghareb 8x8 armoured vehicle with 90mm cannon.

The Aghareb is a 8x8 armoured vehicle which seems to use the chassis of a Soviet-made BTR-60PB armoured vehicle personnel carrier. The suspension has been raised to increase ground clearance of the vehicle.

As the original BTR-60PB, the powerpack is mounted at the rear of the chassis, but with two exhaust grills located at the rear. The front hull part of the Aghareb is very similar of the BTR-60PB, but the nose of the vehicle seems to be longer.

The Aghareb has a crew of four including commander, driver, gunner and loader. If the vehicle is based on the BTR-60PB, the hull is of all-welded steel armour which provides a protection against firing of small arms and shell splinters. The front of the hull has two small windows which can be covered by a flap hinged at the top.

The turret is mounted at the front of the vehicle and main armament includes a 90 mm cannon and one 12,7mm machine gun which is mounted on a cylindrical armored weapon station located at the rear of the turret.

On each side of the hull, the uppert part of the suspension is protected by an armoured plate.

According to Iranian website, the vehicle is designed to be used as armoured reconnaissance fire support vehicle.