MILITARY ACQUISITIONS, March 29, 2016
Defence news from Cameroon indicates that they are operating Israeli Saymar Musketeer armoured vehicle especially for presidential protection.
As reported by IHS Jane's Defence Weekly, Cameroon’s Presidential Guard Reconnaissance and Support Group is operating a Musketeer platoon. The Presidential Guard Reconnaissance also includes fire support, anti-aircraft, and anti-terrorist units.
Janes Defence reports that Musketeer armoured vehicle has been seen in Cameroon’s capital, Yaonde during the recent state visit by Italian President Sergio Mattarella on 18 March, though it is believed the armored vehicles have been in service since 2014.
KEY FEATURES
- It is a six seat Armored Personnel Carrier (APC)
- Fitted with remotely operated weapon station with a 7.62 mm FN MAG machinegun.
- It features Stanag Level 1 ballistic protection it another advantage is that it can be upgraded to B7 level if requested, or Stanag Level 3.
- The armored personnel carrier is powered by a 4.2 litre Toyota diesel engine.
RECENT ACQUISITIONS
Apart from operating Israeli Saymar Musketeer armoured vehicle, Cameroon’s Presidential Guard Reconnaissance has Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) RBY Mk 1 and RAM Mk III vehicles, some of the RBY Mk 1s being armed with TCM-20 twin 20 mm anti-aircraft guns.
Following Boko Haram insurgents threats, Cameroon has acquired variety of new military equipment including;
- Rapid Intervention Brigade (BIR) now equipped with Ratel 20 infantry fighting vehicles.
- Around two dozen LAV-150 Commando infantry fighting vehicles, 30 AML-90s, six AMX-10RCs, a dozen Ferrets, eight M-8s and half a dozen VBLs.
