Nigerién Armed Forces (FAN) has acquired one hundred (100) new KIA KM450 utility vehicles to improve the mobility and operational proficiency of its soldiers.
The KIA KM450 utility vehicles were acquired with equity from the Ministry of National Defence to effectively fight against insecurity.
The Minister of National Defense, Alkassoum Indatou, accompanied by the Chief of Staff of the Niger Armed Forces (FAN), Major General Salifou Modi, as well as several senior military officials received the military equipment, on Monday, July 18, 2022 in Niamey, during a ceremony which took place in the premises of the Central Directorate of Equipment of the Niger Armed Forces (DCMAT / FAN).
According to the Minister, “these are rugged all-terrain, fully militarized vehicles that can take up to 2.5 tons with an estimated tank capacity of 106 liters and can take up to 12 seats.”
Deputy Central Director of FAN equipment, Lieutenant-Colonel Issaka M. Moctar stated that the acquisition, “testifies to the will of our authorities to further support the armed forces Nigeriéns” .
In addition to these new vehicles, Niger has also ordered other military equipment, in particular drones, armored vehicles as well as helicopters and fighter planes in order to enable Nigérien soldiers to face the multiple security threats facing the country with especially the multiple assaults of armed terrorist groups on its various borders (Boko Haram, Iswap, JNIM, EIGS).
Nigér has also placed an order for Ejder Yalçins armoured vehicles from Turkey’s Nurol Makina. Recent official Photos show Bazoum inspecting brown-colored Ejder Yalçins fitted with Aselsan Serdar weapon stations.
In addition to the vehicles, Bayraktar TB2 unmanned aerial vehicles and Hurkus turboprop trainer/light attack aircraft were recently purchased.
In November last two years, Turkish President Recep Erdogan revealed that Nigér was acquiring TB2 and Hurkus aircraft to boost the capacities of its military and security forces. The first Hurkus will be delivered by mid-2022.
The West African country enjoys vast military support from the United States and the West particularly France, it’s former colonial master.
In October last year, Nigér was supplied with several pieces of military equipment from the US to support its fight against jihadists plaguing the west and southeast of the country.
The shipment consists of vehicles, including 8 OTT Puma armoured vehicles, 43 Toyota Land Cruiser trucks, and other equipment valued at $13 million (8.5 billion CFA francs). The vehicles will equip the 11th special intervention battalion (BSI).
Meanwhile, France gifted two second hand SA342 L1 Gazelle light attack and scout helicopters as well as seven 20 mm cannons to the Nigérien forces last November to enhance its counter-insurgence capacity.
France had earlier transfered three GAZELLE helicopters equipped with 20 mm cannon to Nigér in March 2013.
