Senegal Gendarmerie Ejder Yalcin armored at Independence day military parade.

The Senegalese Gendarmerie showcased its recently purchased military vehicles produced by Nurol Makina, a Turkish defense manufacturer, on its Independence Day. Ejder Yalçin and Ejder Toma armored vehicles will be used to fight terrorism and organized crime.

Turkish-made Ejder Yalçin at military parade for Independence day in Senegal (Picture source: posta.com.tr)

Senegal's Gendarmerie (somehow an army-police force) displayed twenty-five recently purchased 4x4 armored vehicles called Ejder Yalçin and four riot control vehicles called Ejder Toma for the first time during the last Independence Day parade in the capital Dakar. The Ejder Yalcın weighs 14 tons and provides protection against explosives. It can accommodate up to 11 personnel in times of emergency and can carry loads of up to four tons. It can reach speeds of 120 kilometers per hour. The riot control Ejder Toma can reach speeds of 110 kph and can carry five tons of water.

Chief of Defense Staff, Lt. Gen. Cheikh Gueye said the army is showing a preference for Turkish weapons, vehicles, and techniques. "Turkish products have an optimal quality and a fair price in the field of vehicles and accessories," said Gueye.

Gueye also raised the possibility of increasing military cooperation between Senegal and Turkey, which could lead to the purchase of additional types of products. "It is common to see Turkish defense industry equipment in many African countries," he said.