| 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 |
The Toofan (Persian: طوفان, lit. 'Storm or Hurricane'), sometimes known as Toophan, Toufan or Tufan, 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.
History
The MRAP was first seen at the 2016 IPAS convention in Iran. The Toofan was publicly unveiled on November 20, 2018 with Defense Minister Brigadier General Amir Hatami attending the event. 5 Toofans were initially produced.
After the MRAP was unveiled, Streit Group has mentioned that they are looking into legal options for a redress.
On June 26, 2021, Toofans are shown in a parade held by the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) in Camp Ashraf, Diyala.
Design
The 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. 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. It can be outfitted with STANAG 2 or 3 protection.
It has a 360 hp engine with the Toofan able to drive through 1.5 meters of water and climbing barriers as high as 50 centimeters. 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. It can also drive at speeds of up to 100 km/h.
The MRAP's components are made in Iran, except for the gearbox, engine and suspension. A V-shaped hull underneath is used to deflect explosions from underneath.
Its appearance resembles the Streit Group’s Typhoon MRAP with similarities based on its physical appearance and its dimensions.
Armaments
The Toofan can be equipped with semi-heavy weapons onto the tailgate gun shields and turrets if needed, including a 12.7 heavy machine gun with gun shield.
Cost
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, Iranian experts have manufactured Toofan at a much lower price."
Operators
- Iran: Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Iranian police (NAJA).
References
- ^ "طوفانِ "Mrap" بومی در اوج تحریمها و بدعهدیها/ ایران هم به جمع تولیدکنندگان یک غول میلیون دلاری پیوست +عکس". 20 November 2018.
- ^ "Toophan". Archived from the original on 2023-08-04.
- ^ "Iran Made a Big Deal About Its New MRAP". 24 November 2018.
- ^ "Armor: An Iranian MRAP to Deal with Iranians".
- ^ "New 4x4 MRAP armored vehicle Toofan for Iranian army". Army Recognition. 2018-11-01.
- ^ "Iran Unveils New Military Vehicle". Tasnim News Agency. 20 November 2018. Retrieved 29 May 2019.
- ^ "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.