The Tunisian Counter-Terrorism Brigade a sub-unit of the Intervention Units General Directorate has taken received nine Pitbull VX Armored Personnel Carrier from the United States on Thursday, June 22, 2018. The Tunisian Minister of Justice and acting Minister of the Interior Ghazi Jeribi who received the new equipment said that “These armored vehicles will significantly contribute to the increase in the fighting capacity against terrorist groups in Tunisia.”
While speaking on the handover, the US Ambassador to Tunisia Daniel Rubinstein disclosed that Tunisia has been successfully maintaining security and combating against terrorism, and that Tunisia has proved itself as a stable and peaceful country.
The Pitbull VX APC would be used in combating terrorism and also in securing the border region.
Alpine Armouring Pitbull VX APV
Designed by Alpine , the Pitbull VX is an armoured response vehicle (ARV) specifically designed for SWAT teams. Based on a Ford F-550 chassis, the vehicle is powered by a 6.7-litre V6 engine. It has a max weight of 19,500 pounds, leaving 3,000 pounds for crew and various payloads. It can carry up to eight fully equipped SWAT members.
The Pitbull VX APC is a multi-purpose Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) built by Alpine Armouring. The vehicle is based on the Ford F-550 chassis. It is powered by a 6.7 liter Rod V8 producing 303 horsepower, weighing 7.5 tons. It can carry eight fully equipped soldiers or a Police tactical team. The Pitbull VX APC’s armour protection is rated at A9/B6+ level.
The Pitbull VX APC’s angled roof and floor are designed to provide anti-mine protection and can also withstand modern frag explosives. The vehicle’s doors are overlapped with ballistic steel for protection against small arms at any angle or range.
Over the years, Tunisia has constantly received military equipment from the United States, such as surveillance equipment, naval vessels as well as specialized counter-terrorism training.