Congolese National Police acquires South African Maatla armored vehicles.

On October 19, 2023, the Congolese National Police enhanced its tactical operations with the recent acquisition of 15 Maatla armored personnel carriers. Manufactured by the South African defense group, Paramount Group, these vehicles were welcomed during a ceremony in Kinshasa on October 19th, marking a significant upgrade to the force's mobility and response capabilities.
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South African Maatla armored vehicle (Picture source: Congolese National Police)

The Maatla, built on a commercial vehicle chassis, is designed for optimal reliability and performance across the challenges in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Its adaptability is one of its most interesting features, capable of accommodating nine crew members and equipped with "Smart Floor" technology. This innovation allows for quick reconfiguration of the vehicle's interior to serve various mission profiles – from an ambulance to a command center, or for roles in border patrol, military support, and peacekeeping.

It offers ballistic and blast resistance to STANAG 4569 Level 1, ensuring the safety of the crew against small arms fire and hand grenade blasts. The underbelly protection is specifically designed to withstand the detonation of M26 hand grenades, providing additional security for personnel operating in conflict-prone areas.

The Maatla can reach a maximum road speed of 100 km/h and a range of 600 kilometers at a steady speed of 80 km/h. Its fording capabilities allow it to traverse waters up to 750 mm deep without prior preparation. The vehicle is also equipped with a 2-speed transfer case and 3 differential locks, enabling it to overcome challenging obstacles and operate in extreme temperatures ranging from -10°C to +55°C.

The Maatla's payload capacity of 2000 kilograms further emphasizes its utility in various operational contexts, from transporting equipment to rapidly deploying forces. The addition of night vision devices and additional sensors ensures that the Congolese Police can maintain operational readiness 24/7.

This acquisition is an indication of the DRC's commitment to modernizing its police force and strengthening national security. The Maatla armored personnel carriers are set to become a part of the Congolese National Police's fleet, providing a versatile and reliable tool to maintain security within the borders of Congo.