Army of Mali has received tactical and armored vehicles to equip 16 companies
According to information published by the Official website of the Malian armed forces on December 3, 2021, the Malian army has received different types of wheeled armored vehicles from China, Russia, South Korea, and South Africa to equip 16 companies.
According to our analysis of pictures published by the Malian armed forces website and local media, the combat vehicles received by the Malian Army include KIA KM450 4×4 light tactical truck from South Korea, BTR-70 and BRDM-2 wheeled armored vehicles from Russia, Dongfeng EQ 2050 Mengshi 4×4 light tactical vehicles and VN2C 6×6 APC (Armored Personnel Carrier) from China, and Puma M36 produced by the South African company OTT.
According to the military balance 2020, the Malian army has a total of 85 wheeled APCs (Armored Personnel Carriers) including 4 Bastion APC, 10 BTR-60PB, 9 BTR-70, 29 Casspir, 24 Stark Motors Storm Light, 4 Gladiator from Streit Group, 5 Streit Group Python as well as Soviet-made BRDM-2.
Military expenditures total about 13% of the national budget. Since the beginning of the fight against terrorist groups in the region, Mali has tripled its military spending.
The KM450 is a light 4×4 multipurpose all-terrain military truck introduced in 1998 that was developed by the South Korean Company KIA. It can be used to transport soldiers or as a cargo vehicle.
The BTR-70 and BRDM-2 are Soviet-made wheeled armored vehicles. The BRDM-2 is an amphibious reconnaissance armored vehicle that entered into service with the Russian army in 1962. The vehicle is armed with a 14.5 mm KPVT heavy machine and one coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun PKT.
The BTR-70 is an 8×8 armored personnel carrier (APC) which has a crew of 3 and can, transport seven military personnel, the roof of the vehicle is fitted with a one-man turret armed with a 14.5 KPVT and a 7.62 mm PKVT machine gun.
The EQ2050 Mengshi is a 4×4 light tactical vehicle by the Chinese company Dongfeng Motor Group. The design of the vehicle is very similar to the American HUMVEE.
The VN2C is a 6×6 wheeled armored vehicle designed and manufactured by the Chinese company NORINCO. It has a crew of three and can carry eight dismounted troops. The version delivered to the Malian army seems to be fitted with a one-man turret armed with one 20mm automatic cannon.
The Puma M36 is a 4×4 MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicle designed and manufactured by the South African company OTT. The vehicle is designed to be used as APC (Armored Personnel Carrier) and can accommodate up to 12 military personnel. The V-shaped design of the Puma M36 offers a high level of protection against mines and IEDs (Improvised Explosive Devices).