The Nigerian Army new light tactical vehicle referred to as the Infantry Patrol Vehicle II (IPV 2) or All-Terrain Vehicle has entered serial production.
The All-Terrain Vehicle now referred to as the Infantry Patrol Vehicle (IPV 2) was designed by the Nigerian Army Vehicle Manufacturing Company (NAVMC), in order to help address Nigeria’s internal security challenges.
During a tour of the production lines at Rigachikun in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna state, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai stated that the first set of the indigenous “light tactical vehicles’’ produced by the company would be exhibited on July 6.
He said that NAVMC was collaborating with Defence Industry Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) in the production of the vehicles. The army chief, however, noted that since the ’60s, there had not been a serious effort at producing military equipment locally.
Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai also explained that “the Nigeria defence complex, DICON, will soon be turned around for good. Furthermore, he said that the NAVMC IS working on mass production of the vehicles.
“The vehicles will help us in curtailing the insecurity in the country. I know everybody is concerned about the insecurity.
“But unfortunately, over the years, since the ’60s, we have not made any serious headway in defence production and local defence production.
As you might expect, the NAVMC ATV II now referred to as the IPV 2 draws from the Nigerian Army all-terrain vehicle design, powered by a petrol engine. The vehicle can accommodate two or four passengers
The Nigerian Army had invested extensive research into developing the NAVMC ATV II to meet its requirements and also Africa’s defence market.
During the commissioning of the IPV/ NAV-C armoured combat vehicle on June 2019, Gen. Tukur Buratai, said the Nigerian Army would source N1 billion to support its Vehicle Manufacturing Company.