# Elite Cameroonian unit to receive upgraded Ratels

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2023/09/elite-cameroonian-unit-to-receive-upgraded-ratels/
- Published: 2023-09-04T12:58:35+01:00
- Author: Ekene Lionel

The Cameroonian military’s Rapid Intervention Battalion (BIR), which provides protection
to President Paul Biya, is soon to receive a batch of Ratel infantry fighting vehicles(
IFVs) from South Africa.

The 10 Ratels are being supplied by the South African company OTT Technologies, 
which has been contracted to upgrade the vehicles to the latest standard. The upgrade
includes the installation of new armor, weapons, and communications systems. OTT
specializes in the refurbishment and modernization of military vehicles.

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The Ratel is a well-known and respected IFV that has been in service with the South
African military for over 40 years. It is armed with a 20mm cannon and a 7.62mm 
machine gun, and it can carry up to 10 troops.

In July, OTT Technologies, a South African company that specializes in the refurbishment
and upgrading of military vehicles, [announced](https://www.military.africa/2023/07/ott-technologies-to-deliver-remanufactured-ratels-to-an-african-military/)
that it is set to deliver a batch of remanufactured Ratels to an African military.
The vehicles were sourced from OTT stock and have undergone a comprehensive seven-
month rebuild and refurbishment process.

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It appears that Cameroon is the recipient of the upgraded Ratels. The Ratels are
being supplied to the BIR under a government-to-government agreement between Cameroon
and South Africa.

The Ratel is a heavily armored vehicle that is armed with a 20mm cannon and a 7.62mm
machine gun. It is also equipped with a smoke grenade launcher and a pintle-mounted
machine gun. The vehicle can carry up to 11 passengers, including the driver, commander,
and gunner.

According to OTT Technologies, the remanufactured Ratels that OTT Technologies is
delivering to the African military have been upgraded with a number of new features,
including a new engine, a new sighting system, and additional armor. These upgrades
will make the Ratels more effective in combat and will extend their service life.

The BIR is a highly trained and equipped unit that is responsible for protecting
the president and other high-ranking government officials. The unit has been involved
in a number of operations against Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in the north
of the country.

The deal to supply the Ratel IFVs to Cameroon was signed in 2022. The first batch
of vehicles is expected to be delivered in the coming weeks.

The acquisition of the Ratel IFVs is a significant boost to the BIR’s capabilities.
The vehicles will provide the unit with much-needed firepower and protection in 
the fight against terrorism.

Although, the BIR unit are already familia with the Ratel IFV, since they first 
acquired the type in 2015. In December 2015, the BIR received twelve Ratel 20s with
its Light Intervention Units deployed to the Far North province, where the force
is leading operations against Boko Haram militants.

The Ratel 20 is armed with a French GIAT 20-mm cannon in a two-man turret, plus 
three 7.62-mm machine guns, one coaxial one over the turret and one on a pintle 
mounting over a hatch in the rear hull roof. The 20-mm cannon has an effective range
of 1 500 m and can engage light armoured vehicles.

The recent acquisition is also part of a broader effort by Cameroon to modernize
its military. The vehicles will be used to protect President Biya and other senior
government officials, and they will also be used to conduct operations against armed
groups in the north and east of Cameroon.

The modernization of the Cameroonian military is a response to the growing threat
of terrorism in the region. Cameroon is located in the Lake Chad basin, which is
a hotbed of terrorist activity. Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province(
ISWAP), and other groups have carried out numerous attacks in the region in recent
years.

The acquisition of the Ratel IFVs is a significant step in Cameroon’s efforts to
counter terrorism. The vehicles will provide the BIR with the firepower and protection
it needs to defeat these groups.

Last year October, Jihadist group affiliated with Jama’at Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati-
Jihad (Boko Haram) terror group [sacked Cameroonian soldier](https://www.military.africa/2022/10/jihadist-attacks-in-djibrilli-raises-questions-about-cameroons-military-capacity/)
s from a forward operating base (FOB) in Djibrilli, near the Nigerian border.

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The attack once again raises questions about Cameroon’s military capacity to effectively
manage the insecurity amid cuts to military spending, in addition to sending more
of its troops to the conflict in the country’s Anglophone regions.

On one hand, the Cameroonian Army infantry already lacks sufficient armoured vehicles,
which is preventing them from carrying out long-range patrols. Also, racketeering,
corruption, and human rights violations are making them lose the populace’s support.
These factors help Boko Haram gain more ground.

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