Recent pictures shared on social media have revealed that the Mauritanian military has acquired Chinese-made Yitian-L short-range self-propelled air defense systems. The vehicle is armed with the TY-90 surface-to-air missiles, designed to intercept and destroy low-flying aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles.
The Yitian-L, customized for the Mauritanian Armed Forces and based on a 4×4 Dongfeng tactical vehicle, is an advanced air defense vehicle designed to intercept and neutralize various aerial threats. This version is armed with a sophisticated missile system, prominently featuring four TY-90 missile launchers. These launchers can fire missiles designed to target aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and incoming missiles.
The Yitian-L’s primary armament consists of four ready-to-fire TY-90 missiles housed in vertical launch containers. These missiles are renowned for their high speed, accuracy, and effective range and provide robust defense against fast-moving aerial threats.
The TY-90, also known as Tian Yan-90, is a Chinese air-to-air missile developed by China National Precision Machinery Import and Export Corporation (CPMIEC). Specifically designed for use on helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the TY-90 missile is notable for its compact size and specialized targeting capabilities.