On June 10, the Burkina Faso Armed Forces received a new batch of 4×4 armored vehicles from the People’s Republic of China. During a ceremony attended by high-ranking officials of the African nation, images revealed approximately 50 CS/VP14 military vehicles and 40 VP11.
Burkina Faso’s Minister of Defense, Brigadier General Kassoum Coulibaly, stated during the handover ceremony that this batch of armored vehicles delivered by China is just the first of four deliveries, representing 18-20% of the total equipment to be provided by the Asian giant.
The 4×4 vehicles delivered are equipped with mine-resistant ambush protection (MRAP). The two versions delivered are produced by the Chinese company Norinco, with the VP11 already in service with the armed forces of Ivory Coast, Gabon, and Mali. These are small all-terrain vehicles designed as light troop transport platforms but can also be used for medical evacuation.
The CS/VP14 is a high-mobility 4×4 MRAP vehicle recently developed by China. Designed to offer advanced protection against grenade and mine threats, it meets NATO protection standards STANAG 4569-4a. This vehicle is capable of withstanding the explosion of a 10 kg anti-tank mine under any wheel, as well as 7.62×51 mm ammunition fired from a distance of 30 meters.
The CS/VP14 can be configured with left or right-hand drive, depending on the user’s needs. It features a low-temperature start-up system, mine-resistant seats with four-point safety belts, and bullet-proof tires with a centralized inflation system. Its V-shaped hull enhances its resistance to mine explosions. The individual helical spring suspension and fast automatic transmission ensure smooth driving.
The VP11 is a mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle, produced by China North Industries (Norinco). This family of vehicles was first introduced at a trade show in Zhuhai, China, in November 2014.
The VP11 is designed to withstand explosion and ambush threats, providing effective protection for its occupants. With a total weight of 12 tons, it can carry a crew of 12. The vehicle reaches a maximum speed of 120 km/h and has a cruising range of 800 km. It can clear vertical obstacles of 0.4 meters and ford water up to 0.8 meters deep, making it highly versatile on different terrains.