The Nigerian Army will soon receive an additional fleet of tactical armored vehicles to boost its capability in combating various security challenges.
The Nigerian Army will soon receive an additional fleet of tactical armored vehicles to boost its capability in combating various security challenges.
The vehicles, a reverse-engineered version of China’s Dong Feng CSK-131 Mengshi armored vehicle, will be supplied by one of Abuja’s top defense firms, Equipment and Protective Applications International Limited (EPAIL).
They will feature a remotely-operated weapons system to provide maximum safety to soldiers during shooting.
Nigeria has experienced serious security challenges, such as the Boko Haram insurgency and farmer-herder clashes.
Last month, 20 of the units were delivered to the army for use in counter-terrorism efforts.
The vehicles are expected to support combat reconnaissance missions and provide fire support guidance for artillery units.
Light-Protected Vehicle
The original Dong Feng is a light-protected armored vehicle that boasts onboard computer systems with digital map software and Beidou satellite communication and positioning systems.
It also has two night-vision cameras for the driver and the rear door for enhanced ability to spot enemies in low-light environments.
The vehicle can carry a payload not exceeding 1,400 kilograms (3,086 pounds) and tow other vehicles within the 2,000-kilogram (4,409-pound) weight class.
Its Armored Reconnaissance variant is equipped with a 12.7-millimeter machine gun and a 35-millimeter automatic grenade launcher mounted on a remote weapons station.
It is unclear if these payloads are also included in the Nigerian Dong Feng version.
