Arrival of US MaxxPro MRAP Armored Vehicles Boosts Anti-Gang Efforts in Haiti.

The deployment of nearly 20 armored military vehicles from the United States, specifically MaxxPro MRAPs, is expected to significantly enhance the ongoing efforts of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) to combat heavily armed gangs in Haiti. These gangs have terrorized the capital, Port-au-Prince, for the past three years. Commander Godfrey Otunge, head of the Kenyan-led security force in Haiti, recently pledged that his contingent will remain determined in its mission until the violent gangs are either neutralized or driven out.
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The MaxxPro is a US MRAP armored vehicle. (Picture source: US DoD)

Haitian Prime Minister Garry Conille had previously expressed frustration over the worsening security crisis, which was exacerbated by the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in July 2021. Conille voiced concerns about the lack of significant progress since the Kenyan forces' arrival, urging the international community to provide additional financial and military support to restore order.

However, Commander Otunge reassured Haitians, stating that the situation would soon improve. In a recent statement, he emphasized that the arrival of the armored vehicles would shift the balance of power. Some of these vehicles have already been used in operations targeting three gang-controlled slums: Delmas, Bel-Air, and Solino. Otunge confirmed that the new equipment would allow the security forces to better confront the gangs.

"Our commitment to decisively address the gang problem in Haiti has just begun," Otunge said. "Clearing operations are currently underway in Delmas, Bel-Air, Solino, and surrounding areas, with the aim of restoring normalcy. We thank the U.S. government for responding to our call for more equipment, which has enabled us to carry out sustained joint operations with the Haitian National Police (HNP). We must acknowledge that this process is long and requires collective efforts."

Otunge further detailed the MSS's strategy, noting that operations will continue on land, at sea, and in the air. "Our pacification efforts will be thorough, with street-to-street and house-to-house operations leaving no room for the gangs to continue their activities. We urge the gangs to lay down their arms and surrender to the authorities," Otunge warned.

The MaxxPro is an armored vehicle designed to offer exceptional protection against threats such as mines and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Its armor is based on a V-shaped hull designed to deflect explosions from the ground, thereby increasing the safety of the crew in the event of an ambush or mine explosion. This design also provides effective protection against explosively formed penetrators (EFPs).

The vehicle can carry a crew of two along with four to six additional soldiers. While the base version is unarmed, it can be equipped with weapons such as a 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine gun mounted on the roof to enhance its offensive capabilities. In terms of dimensions, the MaxxPro measures 6.45 meters in length, 2.59 meters in width, and 3.04 meters in height, with a total weight of approximately 24 tons.

The MaxxPro comes equipped with a range of accessories to improve its performance in the field. It includes optional additional armor, NBC (nuclear, biological, chemical) protection, a hydraulic rear ramp for easier troop deployment, night vision equipment, and a front-mounted winch for recovery or obstacle situations. Additionally, it features a tire inflation system that allows for pressure adjustment based on the terrain.

In terms of performance, the MaxxPro can reach a maximum speed of 105 km/h on roads and has a range of 600 km, making it particularly suited for extended operations in conflict zones. The vehicle is primarily used by the U.S. military and was designed by BAE Systems, one of the world's largest defense companies.

In addition to tackling the security crisis, the interim Haitian administration is tasked with organizing general elections, scheduled for February 2026. However, Prime Minister Conille has warned that this timeline could be jeopardized unless the security situation improves significantly.