South African defence firm DCD Protected Mobility has introduced a new variant of its famed Springbuck armoured vehicle. Launched during the company’s 125th anniversary, the latest addition to the Springbuck fleet is a weapons carrier version.
DCD Protected Mobility launched the new weapons platform vehicle at its fourth military Attache and advisory corps (MAAC) demonstration day.
The new Springbuck weapons carrier version was unveiled at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research’s (CSIR’s) Paardefontein range. According to DCD officials, the new Springbuck is capable of carrying 14.5mm cannons or 60 or 80 mm mortars, however, at Paardefontein it was fitted with a ZSU-23-2 cannon.
It also features enhanced mine and ballistic protection to support frontline missions. The Springbuck weapons carrier only has a single cab, but developers are looking for an extension to accommodate more weapons and crew. The company said it is a concept DCD will develop with its African partners.
The Springbuck is a 4×4 armoured vehicle powered by an MWM 6-cylinder diesel turbocharged engine. It is capable of carrying a driver and up to 10 military personnel.
The vehicle can be configured to support a wide variety of missions, including medical evacuation, command and control, explosive ordnance disposal, and border patrol. With B6 ballistic protection, the Springbuck can withstand powerful landmines directly under the hull or the wheels. Eight countries in Africa are reportedly using the Springbuck to support African Union and United Nations missions.
Last year, DCD Protected Mobility displayed its explosive and landmine detection system at the World Defence Show (WDS) 2022 in Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh. Qudra International Co in collaboration with DCD and AirBoss Defence Group presented the system to Saudi Arabia.
The Husky can detect, mark, and interrogate landmines and IED threats, and is able to accommodate a range of mission equipment, from ground penetrating radar (GPR) and high-sensitivity low metal content detectors to a roof-mounted remote weapon station for ambush protection.