The military forces of Ivory Coast has displayed several newly acquired armoured vehicle and unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) at a parade celebrating the 62nd anniversary of the country’s independence on 7 August.
Some of the vehicles includes DCD Springbuck SD vehicles from South Africa, International Armoured Group (IAG) Jaws armoured personnel carriers (APCs) from the United Arab Emirates, WZ-551 6×6 infantry fighting vehicles from China, and Nurol Makina Ilgaz-II armoured vehicles from Turkey, and The Armoured Group (TAG) BATT UMG and Terrier LT-79 armoured vehicles.
Also, 20 new Otokar Cobra II light armoured vehicles (LAVs), including an ambulance and a recovery vehicle were displayed.
According to the commentator, the Otokar Cobra II light armoured vehicles are attached to Combined Arms Tactical Groups (GTIA) Bolt and Flash, which are intended as a rapid intervention reserve.
Some of the Cobra I’d were fitted with electronic jammers to counter remote-controlled improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and were seen armed with 12.7 mm heavy machine guns.
Aside from armoured vehicles, Ivory Coast is operating Delair DT26 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) supplied by France. Four drones were ordered in 2021 to help the military effectively monitor its northernmost border which have seen jihadists attacks in recent years.
Using its 10 times optical zoom and infrared sensor, the Delair DT26X Surveillance can carry out remote or night surveillance missions.