The Chinese government has donated four NORINCO Type PMR-50 drone to the Benin Republic to improve its security and crime detection amid the emergence of terror activities around the country.
This is part of an effort to increase safety, security, and crime detection. The donation comes as Benin faces an increased threat of terrorism throughout the country. This drone, sent in the form of a generous gift from China, will become an invaluable resource for Benin’s security forces in their continued fight against terror.
The reception of these combat drones by the Minister of National Defense, Mr. Fortunet Alain NOUATIN took place on Friday March 24, 2023 in the presence of Brigadier General Fructueux GBAGUIDI, Chief of General Staff of the Beninese Armed Forces.
The NORINCO Type PMR-50 drone is a revolutionary piece of technology that is sure to benefit Benin’s security forces. It is capable of staying in the air for up to 20 minutes and has an impressive range of up to 6 km, giving it a wide view of the surrounding area. Additionally, the drone is equipped with a high-resolution camera that can capture still images and videos from the sky. The NORINCO Type PMR-50 drone can be equipped with grenade launchers and several other ammunition.
On the occasion of the delivery of these combat materials which will allow Benin “to increase and multiply its intelligence and intervention strategies in the context of the fight against armed groups”, Peng JINGTAO the Ambassador of the China near Benin, while recalling the excellent quality of relations between Benin and his country, praised the bravery and professionalism of the Beninese army in its fight against armed groups.
And within the framework of this fifty-year-old bilateral cooperation, Ambassador Peng JINGTAO expressed the availability of his country China to continue its assistance and the necessary support to the government of Benin in its efforts to defend the integrity of his territory.
The Minister of Defence, for his part, took the opportunity to recall that the friendship between China and Benin and support for the armed forces have already manifested themselves in the past through various training courses and with the donation of large batches of materials including buses, tank trucks, logistics transport trucks as well as troops transport and arms and ammunition equipment.
Following the transfer documents, all the combat drones were handed over to the Chief of General Staff of the Beninese Armed Forces after a demonstration flight.
Meanwhile, a few years ago, the Benin Armed Forces (FAB) received a number of weapons and ammunition from Russia. The arms and trade agreement between both countries was signed in October 2010. According to a news report by Interfax-AVN news agency on 15 August, the weapons include man-portable air defence launchers, man-portable anti-tank rocket launchers, handheld anti-tank grenade launchers, and infantry flamethrowers
Although the report didn’t specify the actual number or type of ammunition being delivered. However, it did quote the agreement as saying, “The Russian side has the right to monitor Benin’s fulfilment of its commitments on the targeted use of man-portable air defence launchers, man-portable anti-tank rocket launchers, handheld anti-tank grenade launchers, and infantry flamethrowers supplied to Benin by Russia.”