Uganda has embarked on a joint venture with the United Arab Emirates’ Streit Group to locally produce the Streit Tornado armoured vehicles. This collaboration is facilitated through the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), the commercial arm of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), established by an Act of the Parliament of Uganda in 1989.
The Streit Group, a global leader in armoured vehicle manufacturing, has 12 production facilities and 25 offices worldwide. It specializes in producing armoured personnel carriers (APCs), cash-in-transit, luxury, and security vehicles, with more than 15,000 vehicles delivered globally. The company’s decision to close its Algerian subsidiary, Streit Group Algérie, on 21 March and shift focus to other markets has paved the way for this new venture in Uganda.
NEC-Streit Uganda Ltd aims to provide a range of security solutions through technology transfer, supporting not only defence but also healthcare, industrial sectors, and the railway industry. The facility was officially inaugurated by President Yoweri Museveni in July 2022 and is set to produce and maintain a wide array of armoured vehicles for both the Ugandan army and international markets.
General Wilson Mbadi, chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Force, highlighted that the armoured vehicle plant would cater to the needs of Uganda’s military, police, VIPs, and regional demands. The Streit Tornado 4×4 Armored Personnel Carrier / MRAP stands out as one of NEC-Streit Uganda’s products. Designed for various infantry troop movements, including long-range patrols and convoy support, the Tornado can also serve as a command-and-control unit or medical evacuation platform. It boasts advanced protection against blast and ballistic threats up to STANAG 4569 Level 3 and can accommodate a crew including a driver, commander, eight dismounts, and a gunner.
The successful production of the Tornado armoured vehicles has been showcased on social media by NEC-Streit Uganda, marking a milestone in Uganda’s defence manufacturing capabilities.
In related developments, October 2021 saw the UPDF commissioning the Chui (Leopard) infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), based on Twiga’s Nyati armored vehicle. The Chui armored vehicle integrates features unique to the UPDF’s Land Forces and is largely based on the South African Twiga Nyati unveiled in 2020.
This initiative is part of Uganda’s broader strategy to enhance its military capabilities while reducing reliance on imported vehicles. President Museveni noted that Uganda spends over $550 million annually on vehicle imports from Japan and Europe. The local production of armoured vehicles like the Streit Tornado and Chui IFV represents a significant step towards self-reliance and economic efficiency in Uganda’s defence sector.
