The Malaysian Special Forces Regiment has recently added the SF-21X to its fleet, a new all-terrain vehicle designed to bolster its operational capabilities. As a Special Operations Vehicle (SOV), the SF-21X is primarily used for deep reconnaissance missions in enemy territory, though it is also capable of supporting direct action operations.
Contracted in 2022 for an initial batch of 16 units, the SF-21X has undergone rigorous testing against three competitors to prove its effectiveness. This light and highly mobile vehicle is equipped for extended patrols and includes six additional fuel packs to increase its operational range.
Produced by Cendana, which operates multiple manufacturing facilities in Malaysia, the SF-21X is built on a robust transmission platform powered by a 2,755 cc engine coupled with a six-speed automatic gearbox. The vehicle measures 4.75 meters in length and 2.05 meters in width, and it weighs nearly four tons. It has the capacity to transport a team of six soldiers along with their equipment, making it an invaluable asset for special forces operations.
Key features of the SF-21X include a front towing winch and a cable cutter, along with mounts on the hood for tools such as a shovel and a pickaxe. The driver’s seat is on the right side, following the British model, and is protected by a windshield that shields against minor impacts and splashes. A companion seat next to the driver allows for the operation of one of the vehicle’s three mounted machine guns.