Cote d Ivoire Armed Forces Unveil New Chinese Armoured Vehicles

The Côte d\'Ivoire Armed Forces celebrated the nation\'s Independence Day on August 7, 2024, by organizing a grand military parade to showcase the latest additions to their military arsenal. A notable feature of the parade was the display of newly acquired combat armoured vehicles from China, underscoring a significant strengthening of the nation\'s defence capabilities. Notable acquisitions included the VN-22B 105mm 6x6 fire support armoured vehicle, the VP11 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, the CS/SS4 4x4 852 self-propelled mortar carrier vehicle, and the Dongfeng Mengshi EQ2050F 4x4 tactical vehicle.

The VN-22B 105mm 6x6 is a fire support armoured vehicle built upon the NORINCO VN2 platform and was delivered in January of the same year. Featuring a primary armament of a 105mm high-velocity cannon, this vehicle boasts diverse ammunition capability, enabling it to engage a wide range of targets, from infantry and fortified positions to enemy armoured vehicles.

The VP11, a family of mine-protected patrol vehicles produced by China North Industries (Norinco), features a one-piece armoured V-shaped hull designed to enhance crew survivability by directing the explosive force of enemy mines outward, away from the vehicle’s occupants. One variant of the VP11 family serves as an armoured personnel carrier (APC), capable of transporting seven soldiers in addition to the vehicle’s driver and commander/gunner.

The CS/SS4 4x4 82mm self-propelled mortar carrier vehicle, based on the CS/VN3 platform, is equipped with an 82mm mortar system for providing mobile indirect fire support with a high rate of fire and quick deployment capability, making it ideal for suppressing enemy positions, supporting infantry assaults, and providing immediate responsive fire.

The Dongfeng Mengshi EQ2050F 4x4 tactical vehicle, based on the Dongfeng EQ2050 platform, offers high versatility and can be configured with a range of armaments according to mission requirements. Standard armament options include a 12.7mm heavy machine gun or a 7.62mm machine gun mounted on a rotating turret or ring mount, enabling the vehicle to provide suppressive fire, defend against infantry attacks, and engage light-armoured vehicles.

The ongoing collaboration between Côte d\'Ivoire and China in the political and defence sectors has seen deepened ties through diplomatic engagements, trade agreements, and mutual support in international forums. China has emerged as a key partner for Côte d\'Ivoire, providing military training, equipment, and technology.