In order to enhance its military prowess, the Mauritanian National Armed Forces have acquired an array of advanced Chinese weaponry, as confirmed by President Mohamed Ould Sheikh al-Ghazouani during his visit to a military base on June 10th. This strategic acquisition includes long-range unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other sophisticated equipment, marking a substantial upgrade to the nation’s defence resources.
The president’s office released a statement highlighting the inclusion of “highly effective reconnaissance and attack drones capable of covering the entire national territory, including territorial waters, around the clock.” Mauritanian television provided the public with a glimpse of these UAVs, showcasing their impressive operational radius of 2,000 km, an endurance of 36 hours, and the capacity to carry six guided missiles with a 14 km range.
The UAVs displayed a twin-tail pusher-propeller configuration, although the media did not specify the models, the inspected equipment comprised 20 WMA301 fire-support vehicles armed with 105 mm guns and eight Yitian-L short-range air-defence systems, both promoted by Norinco, a prominent Chinese defence company. Additionally, eight Harbin BZK-005E Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAV) were part of the acquisition.
The BZK-005, designed by Harbin Aircraft Industry Group, is a medium-altitude, long-range UAV primarily used for reconnaissance by the PLA Navy and Air Force. It incorporates stealth features, including a satellite data link antenna housed in its large upper body dome and an optic-electric sensor system, presumed to be its primary sensor. The BZK-005 is expected to have a cruising speed of around 170 km/h, a service ceiling of 8,000 m, a maximum takeoff weight of approximately 1,200 kg, and a payload capacity exceeding 150 kg.
The Yitian-L, mounted on a Dongfeng Mengshi tactical vehicle, has four TY-90 missiles. This configuration renders it lighter than its predecessors, the original Yitian and the Yitian II, which are mounted on armoured personnel carriers with eight missiles. Its primary mission is to provide low-altitude defence against various airborne threats, including fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, and even cruise missiles.
The WMA301 fire support vehicle, a Chinese export built on the 6×6 chassis of the widely utilized WZ551 Armored Personnel Carrier (APC), is now part of Mauritania’s military fleet. Serving multiple nations, the WMA301 is designed to engage armoured vehicles, buildings, field fortifications, and other targets. While sometimes referred to as an assault gun or tank destroyer, its primary role is to offer fire support, as its armour is not suited for direct tank engagements. It has a 105 mm rifled gun compatible with standard NATO ammunition and can launch anti-tank guided missiles alongside conventional munitions.
Other military equipment seen during the 9 June inspection included a dozen Toyota Land Cruisers fitted with roof-mounted machineguns, and 15 Calidus MCAV-20 armoured vehicles manufactured in the United Arab Emirates.
This acquisition underscores Mauritania’s commitment to modernizing its defense capabilities and ensuring the protection of its sovereignty. The inclusion of these advanced systems from China will undoubtedly enhance the operational effectiveness of the Mauritanian Armed Forces and contribute to the stability and security of the region.
For quite a while now, Mauritania has been a user of Chinese weapons, in 2019, Chinese Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry group unveiled the Mauritanian Navy’s new landing ship vessel which was ordered in March 2016. It’s primary role includes maritime surveillance, patrol, transport and search and Rescue.
