In June 2011, the Turkish Company FNSS signed a ‘letter of offer and acceptance’ by DRB-Hicom Defence Technologies (DefTech) for the assistance of design and development of the vehicles.
Malaysia's DefTech will be the principal manufacturer agent, and its engineers will work with Nurol holding subsidiary FNSS to customise the vehicles for Malaysian requirements and equipment.
South Africa's Denel will reportedly build a 2-man turret for the APC, while local company joint venture, Sapura-Thales was expected to become the systems integrator.
The first prototype of the AV8 was presented in March 2013 to the public during the 80th Army Day anniversary celebration in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan.
In April 2014, DefTech announced that the first 12 vehicles would start production in June 2014 and be delivered to the Malaysian Army by end of 2014.
In December 2014, the AV8 was officially inducted into service with the Malaysian Army in a ceremony at the DefTech plant in Pekan.
[9] The driver and the commander seats are located at the front of the vehicle, the turret in the middle and the troop's compartment at the rear.
There is three large day periscopes at the front position of driver and commander and one on each side that provide excellent visibility.
The hull of the original Pars consisted of a composite aluminium and steel armour that provides protection for the crew and infantry against firing of small arms 7.62 mm armour-piercing attack through a full 360°.
The GI 30 is fully stabilized and has a computerized fire control system that enables targets to be engaged under day & night conditions with high first shot round hit probability even when the vehicle is moving.