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Roshel Captain Deployed by US at the Heart of Armored Response to Gangs in Haiti.
The United States has transferred twenty Roshel Captain armored personnel carriers to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, to strengthen the country’s security and stability. Delivered on February 14, these vehicles were supplied by the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), part of the U.S. Department of State.
The Roshel Captain is a versatile and robust armored vehicle designed to offer ballistic and blast protection while providing various configurations suited to a wide range of operational contexts. (Picture source: US DoD)
According to an INL statement, the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) operating in Haiti will use these newly arrived armored vehicles. The goal is to support the one thousand MSS members already on the ground, who are working alongside Haitian security forces to restore order as gang violence and territorial conflicts intensify in several neighborhoods of the capital.
Haiti has faced growing insecurity over the past few years, with armed groups controlling key areas of Port-au-Prince. This situation complicates the work of the Haitian National Police and multinational forces, who require better equipment and training to successfully carry out security operations. The arrival of the Roshel Captain vehicles is intended to improve the mobility, protection, and operational efficiency of deployed units, enabling them to combat criminal elements and stabilize the region more effectively.
The United States government remains committed to supporting Haiti’s stability. This assistance, which includes specialized vehicles and training programs, is part of the broader American strategy to help Haitian security institutions address persistent threats.
The Roshel Captain is a versatile and robust armored vehicle designed to offer ballistic and blast protection while providing various configurations suited to a wide range of operational contexts. Its armor meets STANAG 4569 standards, delivering ballistic protection up to Level 1 and blast protection up to Level 2. Unlike a traditional frame-based structure, it features a V-shaped monocoque capsule forming the vehicle’s entire body, increasing payload capacity and durability. This technical approach is inspired by Roshel’s range of Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, including the Senator model.
Equipped with either a manual or automatic transmission and available in right-hand drive (RHD) or left-hand drive (LHD) configurations, the Captain is designed for rapid deployment across various theaters of operation. It can be easily transported in standard shipping containers and airlifted by CH-47 Chinook helicopters or C-130 Hercules aircraft. Its engine, available in both diesel and gasoline versions, can operate with high-sulfur diesel, ensuring reliability in regions where fuel quality may vary.
Drawing on the experience gained by Roshel with the deployment of more than 1,400 vehicles in Ukraine, the Captain was developed to meet the needs of areas where the Toyota Land Cruiser 70 is widespread, thus offering a familiar but significantly more capable platform. Its cost remains controlled without compromising quality or performance, making it a choice solution for law enforcement and demanding security missions.
The Captain can carry up to eight passengers. It can withstand 7.62×39 mm API BZ ammunition fired at 30 meters at a velocity of 695 m/s, and it is resistant to the effects of a 155 mm high-explosive shell at a distance of 80 meters. These performance levels have been validated by internationally recognized North American and European laboratories. In terms of power, it features a 2.8-liter four-cylinder diesel engine delivering 201 horsepower at 3,400 rpm and 370 Nm of torque at 1,600 rpm, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and a 4×4 drivetrain. Measuring 5,354 mm in length, 2,261 mm in width, and 2,490 mm in height, and with a fuel capacity of 180 liters, it is built for long and demanding missions.
With continued support from the United States and other international partners, Haitian authorities hope to regain control of strategic areas, protect civilian populations, and establish a more stable environment conducive to future governance and development initiatives. Army Recognition will continue to closely follow the situation in Haiti and share any information regarding new deployments, training programs, or additional actions involving the Roshel Captain or other security equipment.