Desert and UAE army
The UAE army in earlier days used camels. Now camels are not used and replaced by rugged trucks and carriers that can travel in the desert. I think the only place where camels are still used is India , where the army maintains a camel corps.
Desert Vehicles
The UAE desert is located on the edge of the great Arabian desert and touches the Arabian Sea. The UAE maintains a small military force of just about 5000 personnel. Compared to a gigantic army of say India (1.5 million), it is a puny force. However the UAE is a peaceful country and this force is sufficient to guard it, as overall the protective umbrella of the US is available. The UAE forces patrol the desert in special vehicles, some of which are kept in the auto museum about a 150 km from Abu Dhabi , the national capital.
Grizzlee Humvee
Most vehicles supplied to the UAE forces are from the US and UK. On of the most important vehicles used by the army of the UAE is the Grizzled Humvee. Its a 4 wheel drive and negotiates the sand dunes with ease. The model shown in the photo is a 1987 Humvee.
These Humvees patrolled the desert with long desert sweeps
These Humvees patrolled the desert with long desert sweeps
Dodge Desert Truck
The Dodge desert truck is again an American import. It has massive wheels with specialty tires to negotiate the sand dunes and heat, where desert temperatures rise to 55 degrees centigrade.
The vehicle shown is displayed in the auto museum
The vehicle shown is displayed in the auto museum
Troop Carrier
The Magglunds troop carrier is a vehicle from Sweden. It was sold to UAE army after extensive trials. It has special tires and ample space to carry troops. It can transport 25 fully armed soldiers. This vehicle is used extensively in the desert.
It is a utility vehicle and very rugged
It is a utility vehicle and very rugged
Last Word
At right is the Hummer H1 a 1987 model. The UAE army is doing a splendid job with these vehicles. I have been with a army person to see the vehicles in the museum. They make an interesting study
All photos are by me
All photos are by me
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