Senegal, a West African nation facing multiple security challenges, has recently acquired a new type of armoured vehicle to enhance its defence capabilities. The Senegalese forces have now received the IAG Light Patrol Vehicle (LPV), a fast and agile platform that can carry out missions in extreme terrains and various climates.
The LPV is a product of International Armored Group (IAG), a UAE-based company that specializes in the design and manufacturing of armoured vehicles. The LPV is specially designed and engineered for the needs of Special Forces, tactical units and other divisions of the army requiring rapid response. The vehicle can seat up to eight fully geared personnel with ample storage solutions available for ammunition, rations and other equipment. The LPV comes with five-gun mounts, as well as, a mounting solution for a high caliber rotating turret as a main weapon for the vehicle.
The LPV is available in three engine types and comes with various additional options as per the requirements of the end user. The vehicle has a high level of ballistic and blast protection, as well as, advanced features such as run-flat tires, central tire inflation system, night vision cameras, GPS, intercom and radio systems. The fast speed, high mobility and maneuverability of the LPV is bar none in the industry today.
The acquisition of the LPV is part of President Macky Sall’s Emerging Senegal Plan that aims to modernize and strengthen the country’s armed forces. Senegal faces multiple security threats including Islamist terror groups in the Sahel, and separatists in its Casamance region, the location of one of Africa’s longest-running conflicts.
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute’s Arms Transfers database, Senegal has in the last five years received a number of different armoured vehicle types, including two Oncilla (Dozor-B) armoured cars from Poland, 55 Puma M26 armoured vehicles from South Africa, 55 RAM armoured vehicles from Israel and 12 WMA-301 Assaulter armoured fighting vehicles from China, and French-made Bastion APCs. The country has also acquired Turkish-made Otokar Cobra II and Nurol Ejder Yalçın, along with Chinese VN22 6×6 wheeled armored Infantry Fighting Vehicles, and the CS/VN3C, another IFV from the Chinese company Norinco. These vehicles are expected to boost the mobility, firepower and protection of the Senegalese forces in various operational scenarios.
The Senegalese gendarmerie recently unveiled the acquisition of advanced armored vehicles, showcasing a diversified fleet that includes Turkish-made Otokar Cobra II and Nurol Ejder Yalçın, along with Chinese VN22 6×6 wheeled armored Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs).
The Senegalese government has also invested in other aspects of its military modernization, such as acquiring new aircraft, helicopters, drones, radars, missiles and naval vessels. Senegal is one of the few African countries that has a relatively stable and democratic political system, and a growing economy. The country’s military ambitions reflect its aspiration to play a leading role in the region and beyond.
