UAE provides Chad with MCAV-20 Cladius Mobile Combat Armored Vehicles.

On July 30th, 2023, the official news agency of the United Arab Emirates, WAM, announced that the UAE had sent military vehicles and other security equipment to Chad to support anti-terrorism efforts and border protection. The shipment included at least six armored vehicles of the MCAV-20 Cladius model, manufactured by the Emirati company NIMR, with the Chadian and Emirati flags visible on two of these vehicles.
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MCAV-20 Cladius model, manufactured by the Emirati company NIMR, with the Chadian and Emirati flags visible on two of these vehicles. (Picture source: Wam)

In the aftermath of the recent coup d'état in Niger on July 26, 2023, led by General Abdourahamane Tiani resulting in the removal of the elected president, Mohamed Bazoum, Chad's Minister of Defense, Daoud Yaya Brahim, affirmed that the armored vehicles supplied by the UAE would enhance the country's defense capabilities in the fight against terrorism, given the current geopolitical context.

The UAE, known for its rapidly expanding defense industry, has established a significant military cooperation partnership with Chad, making Chad the third major client of the UAE in the region, alongside the Republican Guard of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the Sudanese army.

The MCAV-20, a recent addition to the armored vehicle lineup, was introduced by the United Arab Emirates at the 2021 International Defense Exhibition & Conference (IDEX) in Abu Dhabi. Engineered to prioritize crew and passenger protection alongside enhanced mobility and adaptable weaponry, the MCAV-20 presents an array of formidable features.

With a robust 6.7-liter Cummins diesel engine generating 300 horsepower, the MCAV-20 boasts a top speed of 110 kilometers per hour and an impressive travel range of 800 kilometers. Its advanced independent suspension system ensures steady navigation even over rugged and uneven terrains.

The vehicle's resilience is a noteworthy highlight, with fortified armor capable of withstanding small arms fire and artillery shrapnel. Further strengthening this construction is a blast-resistant underbody designed to counter improvised explosive devices (IEDs), significantly contributing to survival rates in hostile operational environments.

Versatility is central to the MCAV-20, which can be equipped with various armaments to suit diverse battlefield scenarios, such as a 30mm cannon, a 7.62mm machine gun, and a 40mm grenade launcher, offering adaptable firepower to address varying threats.

The MCAV-20 Cladius model, manufactured by the Emirati company NIMR, was presented for the first time at the IDEF 2021 exhibition. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The successful integration of the UAE-produced Calidus MCAV-20 into the defense capabilities of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Republican Guard of the Democratic Republic of Congo marks a significant stride toward modernizing their military capacities. Both nations have adopted the weapons carrier version of the MCAV-20, capable of being armed with machine guns and cannons up to 23mm caliber.

Undoubtedly, the MCAV-20 stands out as a versatile and robust armored vehicle, ideally suited for a wide spectrum of military missions. Currently, in active service with the Sudanese Armed Forces, the MCAV-20 is also available for procurement by other nations around the world.