Ivorian military has acquired additional armoured vehicles from China, to enhance its combat lethality.
Ivory Coast Armed Forces marked the nation’s Independence Day on August 7, 2024, with a grand military parade showcasing the latest additions to their military arsenal. Among the display were newly acquired combat armored vehicles from China, including the VN-22B 105mm 6×6 fire support armored vehicle, the VP11 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, the CS/SS4 4×4 852 self-propelled mortar carrier vehicle, and the Dongfeng Mengshi EQ2050F 4×4 tactical vehicle.
VN-22B 105mm 6×6 Fire Support Armored Vehicle
The VN-22B 105mm 6×6 is a fire support armored vehicle based on the NORINCO VN2 platform, it was delivered in January this year. The VN-22B is designed to deliver powerful direct fire support to infantry units.
Its primary armament is a 105mm high-velocity cannon, which can fire a variety of ammunition types, including high-explosive (HE) rounds, high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rounds, and armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds. This diverse ammunition capability allows the VN-22B to engage a wide range of targets, from infantry and fortified positions to enemy armored vehicles.
VP11 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) Vehicle
The VP11 is a family of mine-protected patrol vehicles produced by China North Industries (Norinco). These four-wheeled vehicles are specifically designed with a one-piece armored V-shaped hull, which effectively directs the explosive force of enemy mines outward, away from the vehicle’s occupants, thereby enhancing crew survivability. One variant of the VP11 family serves as an armored personnel carrier (APC), capable of transporting seven soldiers in addition to the vehicle’s driver and commander/gunner.
CS/SS4 4×4 82mm Self-Propelled Mortar Carrier Vehicle
The CS/SS4 4×4 82mm self-propelled mortar carrier vehicle, based on the CS/VN3 platform, is armed with an 82mm mortar system, providing mobile indirect fire support. This mortar system is capable of firing a variety of rounds, including high-explosive (HE), smoke, and illumination rounds, with a range that allows it to engage targets several kilometers away. The mortar’s high rate of fire and quick deployment capability make it ideal for suppressing enemy positions, supporting infantry assaults, and providing immediate responsive fire.
Dongfeng Mengshi EQ2050F 4×4 Tactical Vehicle
The Dongfeng Mengshi EQ2050F 4×4 tactical vehicle, based on the Dongfeng EQ2050 platform, is highly versatile and can be configured with a wide range of armaments depending on the mission requirements. Standard armament options include a 12.7mm heavy machine gun or a 7.62mm machine gun mounted on a rotating turret or ring mount. This setup allows the vehicle to provide suppressive fire, defend against infantry attacks, and engage light armored vehicles.
VN2 APC Armored Personnel Carrier vehicle
The VN2 APC (Armored Personnel Carrier) is the export variant of the Chinese WZ551 armored personnel carrier, developed by China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO). As an amphibious, 6×6 wheeled vehicle, the VN2APC is designed for versatility and mobility, capable of operating effectively in various terrains and environments. It is equipped with a turret-mounted 12.7mm heavy machine gun for engaging light armored vehicles and infantry, with options to integrate additional weaponry such as a 30mm automatic cannon or anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs). The vehicle can carry up to 12 personnel, including the driver, gunner, and commander, providing them with protection against small arms fire, shell splinters, and landmine explosions.
China has become a key partner for Ivory Coast, providing military training, equipment, and technology.
Over the years, Ivory Coast has acquired a plethora of armoured vehicles. The new armoured vehicles will help the military effectively monitor its northernmost border which have seen jihadists attacks in recent years.