Cameroon Special Forces to receive upgraded Ratel IFVs.

Cameroon's Rapid Intervention Battalion (BIR), responsible for the protection of President Paul Biya, is set to acquire a fleet of Ratel Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs) from South Africa. The South African company OTT Technologies is in charge of supplying the 10 Ratels and upgrading them to meet modern military standards. The upgrades include new armor, advanced weaponry, and cutting-edge communication systems.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

Ratel armored infantry fighting vehicle with 20mm cannon (Picture source: OTT Technologies )

Last July, OTT Technologies announced plans to deliver a set of refurbished Ratels to an undisclosed African military force. These vehicles, sourced from OTT's own inventory, have undergone an exhaustive seven-month overhaul. It is now confirmed that Cameroon is the recipient of these revamped Ratels. The vehicles are being provided to the BIR as part of a bilateral agreement between the governments of Cameroon and South Africa.

The Ratel, an Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) originating from South Africa, has made its mark in various conflicts and missions worldwide. Designed in March 1972 by Springfield Büssing, the Ratel was produced between 1976 and 1987 by manufacturers Sandock Austral and Ruemech OMC. With a total of 1,381 units built, this vehicle has been a mainstay in several conflicts, including the South African Border War, the Western Sahara War, Operation Boleas, the African Union Mission in Somalia, and more recently in the civil wars in the Central African Republic, Libya, and Yemen.

Weighing between 18.5 and 19 tonnes depending on the variant, the Ratel measures 7.21m in length, and 2.5m in width, and has a varying height between 2.39 and 3.11m. It can accommodate a crew of three, consisting of a commander, a gunner, and a driver, as well as up to nine passengers. According to OTT Technologies, the upgraded Ratels feature a new engine, an improved sighting system, and additional armor, enhancing their combat effectiveness and extending their operational lifespan. The Ratel is powered by a Büssing D 3256 BTXF six-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, capable of generating 205 kW (275 hp) at 2,200 rpm. This power gives it a power-to-weight ratio of 11.36 kW/t and a maximum speed of 105 km/h. With a fuel capacity of 530 liters, the Ratel can cover up to 1,000 kilometers. Its ground clearance of 0.34m allows for some maneuverability on various terrains.

The armament of the Ratel varies by model but generally includes a 7.62mm Browning M1919 coaxial machine gun for the 20mm cannon, another M1919 machine gun on a rear ring mount, and a third on the turret roof for the Ratel-60/90 variant. The vehicle can carry between 3,600 and 6,000 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition. 

According to OTT Technologies, the upgraded Ratels feature a new engine, an improved sighting system, and additional armor, enhancing their combat effectiveness and extending their operational lifespan.

The agreement, signed in 2022, is expected to see the first batch of Ratels delivered in the coming weeks. This acquisition aligns with Cameroon's broader strategy to modernize its armed forces. The Ratels will not only serve to protect President Biya and other top officials but will also be deployed in operations against armed groups in the northern and eastern regions of the country. The acquisition of these advanced Ratels is a significant milestone in Cameroon's efforts to strengthen its military capabilities and effectively combat the rising tide of terrorism in the region.