Mali welcomes new vehicles
Some of the new armoured vehicles provided to Mali. (Photo: FAMa)
Has Mali become the first customer for the Chinese-made VN2C 6x6 armoured personnel carrier?
The Malian Armed Forces (Forces Armées Maliennes – FAMa) on 3 December announced it has taken delivery of several dozen new armoured vehicles, as it continues to battle Islamic terrorism in the country.
‘This batch of rolling stock and military equipment is equivalent to the endowment of 16 companies, or four combined arms battle groups,’ FAMa stated on its website. ‘The lot includes tactical combat vehicles, armoured vehicles, logistics trucks, [and] ambulances, among others.’
FAMa did not specify the number and type of vehicles, but Shephard Defence Insight analysis of imagery accompanying its statement suggests that among them are 4x4 tactical armoured vehicles (the Kia KM450 from South Korea, the Dongfeng EQ2050 Mengshi from China and the BRDM-2 from Russia), BTR-70 8x8 amphibious APCs from Russia and Puma M36 mine-protected vehicles.
Also pictured was what appears to be a Chinese 6x6 armoured vehicle (possibly the VN2C, making Mali the first known customer of this mine-protected export variant of the WZ551 amphibious APC).
More from Land Warfare
-
![US increases investments in mortar production capacities]()
US increases investments in mortar production capacities
The US Army and companies of the defence industrial base have been expanding and upgrading their facilities as well as improving capabilities to produce mortar systems and rounds.
-
![Russia tests C-UAS slat protection over turrets and anti-UAV jamming systems for armoured vehicles]()
Russia tests C-UAS slat protection over turrets and anti-UAV jamming systems for armoured vehicles
Russian defence companies are adapting to emerging threats and exploring ways to counter top-attack munitions and first-person-view (FPV) UAVs.
-
![Taiwan unveils new XT-112 5.56mm assault rifle]()
Taiwan unveils new XT-112 5.56mm assault rifle
Taiwan's state-owned arsenal unveiled a new assault rifle at the TADTE defence show in Taipei.
-
![Saab receives $104.9 million order from US for AT4 and Carl-Gustaf ammunition]()
Saab receives $104.9 million order from US for AT4 and Carl-Gustaf ammunition
Saab has signed an expanded agreement with US DoD for AT4 personal anti-tank systems and Carl-Gustaf ammunition for US Army, US Special Operations Command and USMC and a new order has also been signed valued at $104.9 million with deliveries during 2024-2026.
