ST100 and ST500 armored vehicles on display at the El Alamein Air and Space Exhibition, proudly bearing the 'Made in Egypt' label, showcasing Egypt’s advanced defense technology
CAIRO - 3 September 2024: Egypt has once again demonstrated its growing defense manufacturing capabilities by unveiling two state-of-the-art armored vehicles, the ST100 and ST500, at the inaugural El Alamein International Air and Space Exhibition. These vehicles, proudly emblazoned with the phrase "Made in Egypt," captured the attention of attendees from around the globe, showcasing the nation's burgeoning military industry.
The ST100, developed by Egypt’s Ministry of Military Production at the Military Factory 200, represents a significant leap forward in Egypt's defense capabilities. This vehicle is not just another armored carrier; it’s a highly versatile platform designed to fulfill a wide range of military roles, adapting to the varied demands of modern warfare.
The ST100 comes in ten different configurations, each tailored to specific mission profiles:
• Armored Personnel Carrier: Designed for attack and intervention missions, this variant can transport troops safely into combat zones.
• Ambulance: Capable of carrying four individuals, it is equipped to provide emergency medical services in combat conditions.
• Reconnaissance and Surveillance: This version is outfitted for intelligence gathering and battlefield monitoring.
• Command and Control: Facilitates strategic and tactical decision-making in the field.
• Air Defense Unit: Armed with anti-aircraft missiles and artillery, it provides protection against aerial threats.
• Tank Hunter: Equipped with guided anti-tank missiles, this variant is designed to neutralize armored threats.
• Rocket Launcher: Capable of launching a variety of rocket munitions.
• Mortar Carrier: Carries mortars for indirect fire support.
• Precision Attack Missile Carrier: Designed for launching precision-guided missiles against armor, personnel, and fortifications.
• Communication/Electronic Warfare: Specialized for electronic warfare, jamming enemy communications and radar.
With a weight of 14.5 tons, extendable to 18 tons at full load, the ST100 measures 6.4 meters in length, 2.6 meters in width, and 3.8 meters in height.
Its top speed reaches 115 km/h, and it can accommodate a crew of five in its patrol version, or up to eight in its attack and intervention configuration.
One of the most striking features of the ST100 is its unique V-shaped hull design, optimized to deflect the force of explosions from mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
This design elevates the ST100 into the category of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, ensuring the safety of its crew even in the most hazardous environments.
The vehicle’s monocoque structure—lacking a traditional chassis—further enhances its blast resistance, while its crew compartment is engineered to detach from the rest of the vehicle in the event of a severe explosion, ensuring the survival of those inside.
Additionally, the seats are designed with shock-absorption technology to protect occupants from the impact of explosions.
The ST100 is equipped with an array of advanced systems to enhance its operational effectiveness:
• Camouflage System: Reduces the vehicle's radar and thermal signatures, making it harder to detect.
• Electronic Countermeasures: Includes a jamming system developed in collaboration with Swiss experts, designed to neutralize remotely detonated IEDs by disrupting communication networks.
• French-Designed Acoustic Detection System: Identifies the source of enemy fire using sound signatures, allowing the remote-controlled weapon station to engage snipers and other threats in urban environments.
• Active Defense System: Features laser warning sensors, countermeasures for thermal and electro-optical targeting, and smoke grenade launchers that deploy aerosol particles containing red phosphorus and brass shavings, disrupting enemy targeting systems.
The vehicle can be armed with a variety of weapons, including a 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine gun, a 40 mm grenade launcher, and, in specialized combat versions, anti-tank or anti-aircraft missiles and mortars. The weapon station, controlled remotely, integrates with a digital battle management system, ensuring precise and coordinated combat operations.
Internally, the ST100 is equipped with a network of thermal cameras and sensors that provide real-time situational awareness to the crew, making it a formidable asset in any operational theater. Powering the vehicle is a 6-cylinder Cummins ISL diesel engine, producing 400 horsepower, coupled with a ZF EcoLife 6-speed automatic transmission, both sourced from leading American and German manufacturers.
The vehicle’s protection can be upgraded to Stanag 4 level, capable of withstanding armor-piercing rounds up to 14.5 mm in diameter, further enhancing its survivability on the battlefield.
The ST500, the smaller counterpart to the ST100, is designed for troop transport, special forces operations, and medical evacuation. Despite its lighter build, the ST500 shares many of the advanced features of its larger sibling, making it a versatile and effective vehicle in its own right.
Primarily a tactical light armored vehicle, the ST500 can be equipped with a remote-controlled weapon station similar to the ST100, armed with machine guns, grenade launchers, anti-tank missiles, or mortars.
The troop carrier version accommodates three crew members and five passengers, while the ambulance version can transport three crew members and two stretcher-bound patients. The mortar carrier and missile launcher variants can hold a crew of three.
Weighing in at 8 tons, with a maximum load capacity of 10.5 tons, the ST500 is slightly smaller than the ST100, measuring 5.6 meters in length, 2.4 meters in width, and 3.1 meters in height. It boasts a top speed of 140 km/h and a range of 700 km, making it both fast and capable of long-distance operations.
The ST500 offers ballistic protection up to BR6/BR7 standards, capable of withstanding 7.62 mm rounds, whether standard or armor-piercing. It is powered by a Cummins QSB 6.7 diesel engine, delivering 300 horsepower, paired with an Allison 3000 SP automatic transmission, ensuring reliability and performance in various terrains.
The El Alamein International Air and Space Exhibition, a landmark event in the aerospace and defense sectors for Africa and the Middle East, provided the perfect platform for Egypt to showcase these advanced armored vehicles. The exhibition featured over 300 companies and organizations from more than 100 countries, with attendees witnessing the latest innovations in both civilian and military aviation.
The presence of the ST100 and ST500 at this prestigious event underscores Egypt's growing role as a regional defense manufacturing hub, capable of producing high-quality military equipment that meets international standards. With these vehicles, Egypt not only enhances its own defense capabilities but also positions itself as a potential exporter of advanced military technology.
In conclusion, the unveiling of the ST100 and ST500 armored vehicles at the El Alamein International Air and Space Exhibition marks a significant milestone in Egypt’s defense industry.
These vehicles, a product of Egyptian ingenuity and foreign collaboration, represent a bold step forward in the nation’s quest for self-reliance in defense manufacturing. As Egypt continues to develop and produce sophisticated military equipment, it is poised to play an increasingly influential role on the global stage.
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