As reported by El-Watan on January 11, 2025, Egypt’s Arab Organization for Industrialization (AOI), through its Kader Factory for Advanced Industries, has finalized a contract with the Ministry of National Security in Equatorial Guinea for the export of two types of Egyptian-manufactured vehicles. This agreement involves the delivery of an unspecified number of Kader-1 riot control vehicles and Kader-2 4×4 armored vehicles, also referred to as “Shield” (Dar’a). The deal aims to address security and public order requirements in Equatorial Guinea.
Equatorial Guinea’s security situation is marked by a moderate risk of violent crime, including armed robbery, burglary, and assault, with incidents reported in urban areas like Malabo and Bata as well as in rural regions. Foreign nationals have occasionally been targeted, and local law enforcement may face challenges in effectively addressing serious criminal activity due to limited resources. International advisories, such as those from the U.S. Department of State, recommend increased caution when traveling in the country due to concerns over crime and health infrastructure.
Lieutenant General Dr. Amr Abdel Aziz, Chairman of Kader Factory, confirmed that this is the first confirmed export of these vehicles to a foreign country. The agreement was facilitated by Ambassador Haddad Abdel Tawab, Egypt’s representative in Malabo, who also signed the contract. The vehicles will be supplied to Equatorial Guinea’s Ministry of National Security, with technical delegations expected to visit the country to assess further requirements in various fields.
The Kader-1 riot control vehicle, displayed as the AR-1 at EDEX 2023, is designed for urban security operations. It complies with B4 ballistic protection standards under EN1063, providing resistance against pistol and rifle fire. The vehicle can carry up to 11 personnel, including the driver, and is equipped with tactical run-flat tires, a tear gas filtration system, internal ventilation, and fire suppression systems. Originally developed for Egypt’s Ministry of Interior, it can be adapted for international clients based on operational requirements.
The Kader-2, also known as “Shield,” is a domestically designed and manufactured armored vehicle. It is built to provide protection against explosive devices and gunfire, including resistance to 7.62×51 mm rounds. The vehicle includes fire ports for personnel to respond to threats, armored glass for visibility and protection, and tactical run-flat tires that allow continued mobility after damage. It also features a chassis designed to operate effectively in both urban and rough terrain and includes a platform capable of accommodating manually operated or remote-controlled weapons.