Proforce defence earlier this week unveiled it’s PF Hulk 4×4 armoured vehicle. However, upon closer examination, it bears striking resemblance to Russia’s AMN-590951, known as Spartak.
The PF Hulk may likely be a licensed production or a direct copy of the Russian project AMN-590951 “Spartak” armoured vehicle.
The PF Hulk appears to be a direct design of the AMN-590951 Spartak. The Spartak itself is a light armored vehicle developed by the Russian military. It was first unveiled during the Army 2019 forum. The Spartak is primarily intended for use by Russian special forces during operations, including the recent invasion of Ukraine. Additionally, it serves as a dedicated platform for the Russian National Guard and other internal troops. Drawing from Russian experiences in Syria, the Spartak places a strong emphasis on crew protection and vehicle modularity.
Key features of the Spartak include reinforced front and roof armor capable of withstanding 12.7 mm fire, along with supplementary protection to resist 14.5 mm rounds. The vehicle is designed following the MRAP (Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected) principle, featuring a V-shaped hull to withstand blasts equivalent to 6 to 8 kg of TNT. The standard armament for the Spartak consists of a 12.7 mm Kord machine gun, mounted on a fully protected 360° turret. However, it can also be configured to accommodate other weaponry, such as PK/PKP machine guns or AGS-17/30/40 automatic grenade launchers. Notably, VPK (Military Industrial Company) indicates that the Spartak can be equipped with a remote-controlled turret similar to the Arbalet-DM.
The Spartak’s development has led to several variants. For instance, the AMN-59097 features a larger chassis and an additional axle, enhancing its load-carrying capacity. This versatile version can fulfill various roles, including logistics support and infantry operations. Configurations range from an infantry fighting vehicle armed with a 57 mm semi-automatic cannon to a multiple rocket launcher system. Thanks to its compact size and mobility, the AMN-590951 Spartak is well-suited for tasks such as patrolling, convoy escort, and surveillance missions.”
The prototype displayed at the Army 2023 was equipped with an AZP-57 cannon mount with an S-60 57 mm automatic cannon. The gun is operated by a crew of 3-4 people working on a loading platform. They are protected from fire from the front section by a shield cover.
Military Africa is aware that Proforce delegates attended the Army 2023 defence expo, held in Moscow Russia in August 2023.
Spartak combat debut in Ukraine
As far as we know, the AMN-590951 “VPK-Ural” armored vehicle has already reached the troops fighting in Ukraine and is even being used in the Special Operation zone. Positive experience in its operation signals Russia’s readiness to export the type to international customers.
Nigeria-Russia technical relations
Nigeria and Russia has a robust defence and technical relations, and both recently signed a Military-Technical Cooperation Agreement, which includes the supply of military equipment, training, after-sales services, and technology transfer.
Nigerian Defense Minister Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi and Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation Director Dmitry Shugaev officiated the signing.
In 2019, Nigeria first signal it’s intentions to partner with Russia in order to curb the Boko Haram insurgents. Subsequently, on 23 August 2021 at the Army Technical Forum defence exhibition, Nigeria signed a Military-Technical Cooperation Agreement with the Russian Federation. This Agreement terminates the earlier Agreement between the two countries signed on 6 March 2001.
At the time, the Nigerian Army announced that it intends to leverage its longstanding and productive relationship with Russia to acquire more military hardware to deal with the various security threats plaguing the country.
The then Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya, solicited the help of the Russian government to support Nigeria with “sophisticated equipment” to improve security in the country.
The statement read, “The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has stated that the Nigerian Army will further explore the cordial bilateral relations between the NA and Russian government for acquisition of military equipment to enhance its operations across the country,”
“Reminiscing the long existing relationship between the NA and Russia, the COAS expressed the need to rekindle the relationship for their mutual benefit.
Russia through the ROSOBORONEXPORT (Russia’s sole state agency for export) already offers to African clients it’s full range of defense-related and dual-use products, services and technologies. It is part of Rostec State Corporation.
Rosoboronexport is among leaders in the global arms market. Rosoboronexport accounts for over 85% of Russia’s exports of arms and military equipment. Rosoboronexport cooperates with more than 700 Russian defense industrial enterprises and organizations.