The United States has donated military equipment worth an estimated 3.5 billion CFA francs ($5.9 million).
This donation includes twelve (12) Puma M36 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, 280 ballistic plates, and 35 L3Harris Falcon III tactical radios. The ceremony for the delivery of this equipment took place on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at the Allada military camp. This equipment is expected to enhance the protection and communication capabilities of Beninese soldiers in combat.
Thirty-eight Puma M36 vehicles were originally destined for Niger, but after Niger ended military cooperation with the United States, the vehicles are now going to Benin, Ghana, and Cote d’Ivoire. The Beninese models, are Puma M36 Mk 6 versions built by United Manufacturing Technologies (OTT-USA).
For a long time, the United States has been a steadfast ally to the Beninese Armed Forces, providing invaluable support to increase their operational capabilities and protection. This support has extended to military training projects, with more than 2,000 Beninese soldiers trained this year as part of the BORSEC project. Additionally, around thirty soldiers participated in international military training programs in the United States.
At the official presentation of these donations, the United States Ambassador to Benin, His Excellency Mr. Brian Shukan, praised the cooperation between the two countries. Ambassador Shukan emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach that integrates development, social inclusion, and consideration of the needs of vulnerable populations and minorities. He highlighted that close cooperation, specialized training, and a firm commitment to promoting resilience and development are essential.
Benin’s Minister of Defense, Fortunet Alain Nouatin, affirmed that the donated equipment would significantly enhance the Beninese Armed Forces (FAB) and better prepare them to face the country’s security challenges. “You can rest assured that this equipment will be used wisely,” he pledged.
Following the signing of the transfer documents, Minister Nouatin officially handed over the keys to the twelve armored vehicles to Major General Fructueux Gbaguidi, the Chief of General Staff of the Beninese Armed Forces.
Technical Specifications of Puma M36 MRAP
The Puma M36 MRAP family of vehicles is designed to provide protected mobility solutions for homeland security, law enforcement, and asymmetric military applications. These vehicles can carry up to 12 personnel, depending on the configuration. They offer high levels of ballistic protection against small arms fire, improvised explosive devices, and shrapnel, meeting EN 1063 B7 standards for vehicle sides and B6 for roof protection. Additionally, the V-shaped monocoque hull provides STANAG 4569 Level 4 mine protection. Hundreds of Puma M36 vehicles are deployed in hostile environments, including Somalia, and their variants include command vehicles, bomb disposal units, ambulances, recovery, and logistics vehicles.
Regional and International Support
The Beninese Armed Forces are major recipients of military aid from their allies, particularly the US, EU, China, and France. The US donations aim to strengthen bilateral relations and support Benin’s efforts to fight terrorism. AFRICOM, the US military command in Africa, is also working to reposition itself in the southern Sahel by installing military bases in Benin and Ivory Coast.
Recently, the French armed forces delivered 15 armored personnel carriers (APCs) to the Beninese high command. These VAB-type vehicles, drawn from French army stocks, follow an initial delivery of 26 VABs to Cotonou in 2023. In addition to these APCs, Paris has previously provided pick-up trucks to the Forces Armées Béninoises (FAB) and three Puma transport helicopters for the air force.
Simultaneously, the European Union, through the European Union Security and Defence Initiative in the Gulf of Guinea (EUSDI GOG), is delivering two Mamba armored vehicles to the Beninese army. These vehicles, granted by the Czech Republic, were initially intended for the Forces Armées Nigériennes (FAN). However, the coup d’état on July 26, 2023, led to a diplomatic rift between Brussels and Niamey, prompting the reallocation of these vehicles to Benin.
Benin has recently been added to the European Union (EU) Peace Facility benefit list. The EU has allocated €5 million (approximately $5.4 million) to enhance various aspects of Benin’s armed forces, with a focus on operational efficiency.
In April 30, 2024, The U.S. government provided equipment to Benin’s Armed Forces, including four fuel trucks and spare parts, and supplemental items, valued at over 1.8 billion CFA. U.S. Ambassador Brian Shukan attended the ceremony, along with Minister-Delegate to the President of the Republic in charge of National Defense Fortunet Alain Nouatin, Chief of Defense Staff Major General Fructueux Gbaguidi, and the chiefs of all service branches of the armed forces.
Also in November, the United States government donated an estimated $2 million worth of equipment to the Beninese army, including 20 Toyota LandCruiser pickup trucks, medical kits, and portable GPS systems, as part of the United States’ continued efforts to strengthen relations between the two nations.
This influx of military equipment from the United States and other international partners is part of the growing support for Benin’s efforts to enhance its security and combat regional threats. With strengthened defense capabilities, Benin is better positioned to ensure the safety and security of its citizens and contribute to regional stability.