The United States Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) has initiated the delivery of 24 additional Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) MaxxPro armored fighting vehicles to Kenyan forces stationed in Haiti. This move is part of a broader effort to bolster the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission in response to escalating gang violence in the Caribbean nation.
The first batch of MaxxPro vehicles was transported via a US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III to the Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince. Alongside these vehicles, the US is also providing 34 Overhead Gunner Protection Kits, which will enhance the tactical field of view and protection for the fleet. Additional equipment, supplies, parts, and maintenance services are included in the package to ensure the vehicles remain operational and effective.
This initiative follows US President Joe Biden’s approval of a Presidential Drawdown Authority for Haiti in April 2024. The decision aligns with a UN Security Council resolution from October 2023, which aims to support the Haitian National Police in re-establishing security and creating conditions conducive to free and fair elections. To date, the US has contributed $300 million to the Haitian MSS contingent, underscoring its commitment to regional stability and security.
MaxxPro Vehicle Specifications
The MaxxPro MRAP is a robust 23.5-foot (7.1-meter) vehicle designed to protect against land mines, improvised explosive devices, and ballistic threats. It can carry up to seven personnel and a payload of approximately 11,150 pounds (5,057 kilograms). Powered by a 375-horsepower Navistar diesel engine and an Allison 5-speed automatic transmission, the vehicle boasts a range of 248 miles (400 kilometers) and a top speed of 62 miles (100 kilometers) per hour.
Broader Defense Cooperation
The delivery of these vehicles is part of a larger framework of defense cooperation between the US and Kenya. In September 2023, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Kenyan Defense Minister Aden Bare Duale signed a five-year defense cooperation plan aimed at enhancing regional peace and security. This agreement was further solidified during Kenyan President William Ruto’s visit to the US in July 2024, where additional military equipment transfers were discussed.
Kenya is also set to receive eight UH-1 “Huey” helicopters and eight MD500 helicopters between late 2024 and mid-2025. Furthermore, approximately 150 M1117 4×4 Armored Security Vehicles from US Excess Defense Article stocks are expected to arrive in Kenya by September 2024. These assets will significantly enhance Kenya’s regional peacekeeping capabilities and contribute to overall stability.
The delivery of MaxxPro MRAP vehicles to Kenyan forces in Haiti represents a significant step in the US’s ongoing efforts to support regional security and stability. By providing advanced military equipment and logistical support, the US aims to empower Kenyan forces to effectively combat gang violence and restore order in Haiti.