Twiga Services & Logistics has introduced its latest innovation, the Nkwe 4×4 armoured vehicle, at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2024 exhibition. The Nkwe, meaning “Leopard,” was showcased alongside Twiga’s larger Nyati armoured personnel carrier, highlighting the company’s expanding range of military vehicles.
Advanced Protection and Design
Developed in South Africa between 2022 and 2024, the Nkwe is a mine-resistant vehicle that has been qualified this year. It offers NATO STANAG Level 2 ballistic protection, capable of stopping up to 7.62×39 mm armour-piercing rounds, and Level 1 protection for the engine bay against grenades and anti-personnel mines. Additionally, it provides Level 3a mine protection, withstanding blasts of up to 8 kg under any wheel and the centre of the hull.
Powerful Performance
The Nkwe is powered by a four-cylinder turbocharged Mercedes Benz 4.7-litre diesel engine, delivering 163 kW of power and 810 Nm of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed manual-automatic transmission, enabling a top speed of 100 km/h. Designed for tough off-road conditions, the vehicle features a robust suspension system, run-flat inserts, a central tyre inflation system, and anti-lock brakes.
Versatility and Customization
Twiga offers the Nkwe in multiple configurations, including an armoured personnel carrier, weapon platform, and battlefield ambulance. It can also be equipped with a turret, making it suitable for motorised infantry, counter-insurgency, special forces, and urban operations. The vehicle has a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of 9,500 kg and can accommodate eight passengers plus two crew members. It is available in both right and left-hand drive versions and includes air conditioning for enhanced comfort. The Nkwe also features ten gun ports and an optional turret for remote or manual weapon stations.
According to Damian de Lange, CEO of Twiga Services & Logistics, the Nkwe has been designed to facilitate the easy transfer of technology for local manufacturing. The vehicle also introduces a new driveline upgrade for the Mamba and Nyoka armoured vehicles, ensuring these legacy models remain operational with modern components for the next two decades.
Twiga has established a production line in Uganda for assembling these vehicles in collaboration with its sister company, Impala Services. The company previously launched the Nyati armoured personnel carrier in 2021, which is manufactured in Uganda as the Chui (Leopard) by the Armoured Vehicle Manufacturing and Assembly Facility.
The introduction of the Nkwe 4×4 armoured vehicle underscores Twiga’s commitment to providing advanced, reliable, and versatile military vehicles tailored to meet the demands of modern warfare and peacekeeping operations in Africa and beyond.