According to information published on the X account (@HammerOfWar5) on January 14, 2024, the Mozambique police were seen using Indian-made Mahindra MPV-I mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles.
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Indian-made Mahindra MPV-I used by the Mozambique police forces ( Picture source: @HammerOfWar5 )
Although neither country has issued a press release confirming the acquisition, Mozambique is seeking to increase its military capabilities, particularly by expanding its partnerships. Indeed, Mozambique's security situation is mainly compromised by an Islamist insurgency in the northern province of Cabo Delgado, coupled with economic grievances and political instability.
India and Mozambique have been actively enhancing their military cooperation, evident through high-level diplomatic engagements and strategic dialogues. In 2019, Mozambique acquired 2 L&T Fast Interceptor patrol boats from India. More recently, the visit of Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to Mozambique underscored the deepening ties between the two countries, with a focus on advancing bilateral relations in the face of various security challenges. This visit was part of India's broader strategy to strengthen its ties with African nations, guided by the Kampala Principles and the SAGAR initiative. The discussions encompassed a range of topics, including traditional and non-traditional security threats, emphasizing Mozambique's significance in India's energy strategy due to its substantial natural gas reserves.
In January 2024, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Mozambican President Filipe Jacinto Nyusi further reinforced this partnership by reviewing areas of cooperation at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit. Their talks included defense, counter-terrorism, and other key sectors like energy, health, and maritime security. This meeting highlighted India's commitment to supporting Mozambique's development and proposed enhanced air connectivity to boost mutual ties. Additionally, the first-ever India-Africa trilateral naval exercise, involving India, Mozambique, and Tanzania, marked a significant step in maritime collaboration.
The Mahindra MPV-I, or Mine Protected Vehicle-I, is an armored personnel carrier developed by Defence Land Systems India Limited,a joint venture between Mahindra & Mahindra Limited and BAE Systems. MPV-I can accommodate 18 personnel and is capable of transporting a complete operational team of army or police forces involved in anti-terrorist and anti-Naxal operations. The Mahindra MPV-i boasts a robust 230 HP diesel engine and a 4x4 transmission. He is designed to provide protection against landmines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs), making it suitable for use in conflict zones and peacekeeping missions.
When it comes to ballistic protection, the Mahindra MPV-i is engineered to safeguard its occupants in hostile environments. It can withstand direct hits from 7.62x51 mm ball, 5.56x45 mm, and 7.62x39 mm ammunition fired from a distance of 10 meters, even at a 90° angle. Furthermore, its side mine protection is capable of withstanding the explosion of an improvised explosive device (IED) containing at least 10 kg of TNT when detonated at a distance of 5 meters and at a height of 1.5 meters from the ground. The vehicle's undercarriage is fortified against landmine blasts, capable of withstanding a minimum of 14 kg of TNT or its equivalent beneath the hull. Additionally, the area under the tires is protected against a minimum of 21 kg of TNT or its equivalent.
Defense News January 2024
