Rakhsh APC

Rakhsh Armored Personnel Carrier 

***The Following is an Excerpt from "Iranian Military Capability 2011"***

Current production model (Diomil)

The Rakhsh APC is a lightweight 4x4 APC designed for policing actions more then full-on combat. It is in service with both the IRIP and IRGC. The APC is extremely similar to the North Korean M-1992 APC.

The Rakhsh comes in two variants, an early development model, which has apparently still been produced, and the later, export model, that due to sanctions, ended up being produced for domestic service as well.

The earlier model most commonly carries a 14.5 mm machine gun in a turret while the later model has only been seen with a 12.7 mm in a cupola. Though there is no reason why one couldn't carry the other. In earlier models, the side-doors consisted of two pieces, while the later model has single piece side-doors. Some models have been shown with a Zu-23-2 AAA.

Early model with applique armor (Fars News)

Other differences between the two are minor, mostly aesthetic likely reflecting a changed manufacturing technique rather then any significant changes. The differences include a flattening of the top of the engine compartment, elimination of certain angles and shifting air intakes.

The hull is welded steel with a very distinctive blocky, angled appearance. This offers protection against 7.62 mm ammunition with an available spaced appliqué armor set at steep angles to the hull. It can also use the bolt-on armor plates designed for other AFVs.


Other features include remote tire inflation-deflation, run-flat tires, a winch, air-conditioning, optional smoke dischargers and NBC protection.

The APC can carry 8 passengers in addition to the 2 crewman. Each passenger has access to firing and observation ports. They can dismount via a single rear door, two side doors, or via a roof hatch.

It is powered by a MAN DO824LFL09 diesel engine taken from a heavy general purpose truck, giving it a power to weight ratio of 20 hp/t and speed of 95 km/h

In addition to service with the IRIP and IRGC, the Rakhsh has been exported to Sudan.

(Various Sources)

IRIP Rakhsh (Jamejam Online)

The Rakhsh can't navigate overly-treacherous ground, destroy other armored vehicles, or protect it's passengers from large caliber ammunition, but it's important to remember it's not meant to do those things, it's not being slated to replace the Boragh or BMP-2 any time soon. In it's job as a policing or light-duty APC it's acceptable, but not outside that zone.