BAE and the UAE 8x8 comp.

The UAE just bought its MRAPs and is also in the market for an 8x8.

I don't know if BAE saw this coming, planned ahead of time because of a hunch or if it has some really good market intel but its RG-41 is almost designed for the UAE. 

But that brings us to the obvious question.  What are they looking for?  The answer to that question is what intrigues me.  It could give clues to the Marine Corps comp.  Are they looking for the best performer?  Will they take good enough as long as the price is right?  Will clean sheet designs be a plus or a negative?

Ya know I just stated that this would give clues to which vehicle the Marine Corps will choose but its also important to the entire industry.  Are we in a time and place where new designs are savaged and revamped models held up as whats needed?  Are we in a kind of development purgatory?

I don't know but we can bet that the RG-41, the Patria AMV (Havoc), the Piranha V (and maybe the IIIC) along with possibly the Pandur II and the Terrix could all end up competing in the desert.  Whoever wins could tell us where the armored vehicle industry is headed....and which company will live to design another day.