The Malian military government led by Colonel Assimi Göita has recently acquired a large number of VP11 4×4 Lightweight MRAP, and Lynx CS/VP11 ATV made by Norinco, a Chinese arms manufacturer to aid in the fight against insurgency.
A video of a long convoy numbering more than 30 trucks carrying the VP11 and CS/VP11 ATV through a road in the Malian Capital city Bamako was posted on social media earlier this week.
These vehicles will be used to improve the military’s capability to combat the insurgency that has been plaguing the country.
The VP11 4×4 Lightweight MRAP Armoured Vehicle is developed by NORINCO to meet the further requirement for the 4×4 tactical vehicles.
It is featured by high level of protection, not only against bullets but also against mines and IEDs. Compared with heavy-duty MRAPs, the VP11 has better mobility and cross country capability, the gravity centre is lower, making the vehicle more stable when conquering difficult terrains, especially in mountain areas.
The VP11 4×4 Lightweight MRAP is designed to provide superior protection in hostile environments. The vehicle is equipped with a range of features, including an independent suspension system, four-wheel drive, and a range of advanced electronic systems. This allows it to effectively navigate difficult terrain and respond to threats quickly.
The Lynx CS/VP11 ATV is an all-terrain vehicle designed for use in challenging terrain. It is equipped with a high-torque engine, a light-weight chassis, and a range of advanced safety features. The ATV is capable of navigating through difficult terrain, including sand, mud, and rocks. This makes it an ideal vehicle for operations in hostile environments.
The acquisition of these vehicles is a major step forward for the Malian military in their fight against the insurgency. By providing them with the latest in military technology, they will have the capability to respond more quickly and effectively to threats. This will help ensure the safety of the citizens of Mali and allow the government to better protect its citizens from the threat of insurgency.
This recent acquisition is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Mali’s military stand against the insurgents in the country following the withdrawal of French and European forces from the country.
Mali fields a diverse array of armoured vehicles, many of them donated by foreign countries to help the combat terrorism in the region.
Last year, Mali’s military took into service dozens of new armoured vehicles, including Norinco VN2C 6×6 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) from China, at least six Norinco VN2C IFV, along with 50 Kia KM450 military trucks, Dongfeng EQ2050 multi-purpose wheeled vehicles, half a dozen BRDM-2 amphibious scout cars, at least a couple of BTR-70 8×8 amphibious armoured personnel carriers, and six Puma M36 APCs.
Mali recently took delivery of a number of air assets including L-39C Albatross, Bayraktar TB2s, and Mi-35M helicopter.
Meanwhile, the VP11 MRAP have been earlier deployed to Mali by Chinese peacekeeping forces since January this year.
The 10th Chinese peacekeeping defence unit deployed the MRAP vehicles in the north-eastern region of Gao, in eastern Africa.
The vehicles have been modified with defence communications, electromagnetic interference, and observation functions, as well as protection against improvised explosive devices and better manoeuvrability.
The peacekeeping unit was deployed to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali since 2013 to stabilize the country and assist the country’s return to constitutional order. It was reorganized into a base defence unit in 2022.
The VN11 has seen service with the other African countries like the Gabonese Republican Guard (GR) which displayed the Norinco VP11 mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles publicly for the first time during the 17 August Independence Day military parade in Libreville.