OTT Technologies of Mozambique to deliver 16 Puma 4x4 armoured for UN peacekeepers in Mali 0104141

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Defence & Security News - OTT Technologies Mozambique
 
 
Tuesday, April 1, 2014 11:22 AM
 
OTT Technologies of Mozambique to deliver 16 Puma 4x4 armoured for UN peacekeepers in Mali.
US defence services provider and equipment manufacturer Dyncorp International and its partner OTT Technologies Mozambique have rolled out the first 16 of 115 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) for use by African Union peacekeepers in Mali.
     
US defence services provider and equipment manufacturer Dyncorp International and its partner OTT Technologies Mozambique have rolled out the first 16 of 115 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) for use by African Union peacekeepers in Mali.
OTT Technologies Puma M36 4x4 armoured vehicle personnel carrier
     
OTT Technologies Mozambique is a subsidiary of South African defence equipment manufacturer OTT Technologies, which produces the M26 and M36 variants of the Puma mine-resistant armoured vehicle, several other APC models and military trucks.

The 16 Puma 36 4x4 vehicles were assembled in the southern city of Matola and driven to the port of Maputo for shipment to Mali two weeks ago.

Dyncorp International public relations officer Ashley Burke said they have been contracted by the US government to manufacture and transport the APCs to UN peacekeepers in Mali.

"Dyncorp International is working in Africa with suppliers in the region and manufacturers in Mozambique to manufacture vehicles for African troops in Mali. As part of a task order under the African Peacekeeping Programme (AFRICAP), the team is responsible for procuring and supervising the manufacture of and transportation for 115 armoured personnel carrier vehicles for the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali [Minusma].

"We are pleased to be able to provide global solutions while supporting local economies, helping developing nations while deepening our relationship with the people of Africa. Note that the 16 vehicles are destined for the (UN) peace-keeping mission in Mali, not Somalia," Burke said.

The vehicles are reportedly destined for the armies of seven unidentified West African countries contributing troops to Minusma.

Dyncorp International won a $173 million contract from the US Department of State, which funds the AFRICAP programme to support multinational peacekeeping efforts in Africa by providing new equipment and running pre-deployment training programmes for African soldiers seconded to peacekeeping missions. Most of the vehicle components supplied to the assembly plant in Mozambique are sourced from South Africa.