China Delivers New 4×4 CS/VP14 and VP11 Armored Vehicles to Burkina Faso.

On June 10, the Burkina Faso Armed Forces received a new batch of 4×4 armored vehicles from the People's Republic of China. During a ceremony attended by high-ranking officials of the African nation, images revealed approximately 50 CS/VP14 military vehicles and 40 VP11.
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China delivers to Burkina Faso CS/VP14 military vehicles and VP11. (Picture source: Burkinabe MoD)

Burkina Faso's Minister of Defense, Brigadier General Kassoum Coulibaly, stated during the handover ceremony that this batch of armored vehicles delivered by China is just the first of four deliveries, representing 18-20% of the total equipment to be provided by the Asian giant.

The 4×4 vehicles delivered are equipped with mine-resistant ambush protection (MRAP). The two versions delivered are produced by the Chinese company Norinco, with the VP11 already in service with the armed forces of Ivory Coast, Gabon, and Mali. These are small all-terrain vehicles designed as light troop transport platforms but can also be used for medical evacuation.

The CS/VP14 is a high-mobility 4×4 MRAP vehicle recently developed by China. Designed to offer advanced protection against grenade and mine threats, it meets NATO protection standards STANAG 4569-4a. This vehicle is capable of withstanding the explosion of a 10 kg anti-tank mine under any wheel, as well as 7.62×51 mm ammunition fired from a distance of 30 meters.

The CS/VP14 can be configured with left or right-hand drive, depending on the user's needs. It features a low-temperature start-up system, mine-resistant seats with four-point safety belts, and bullet-proof tires with a centralized inflation system. Its V-shaped hull enhances its resistance to mine explosions. The individual helical spring suspension and fast automatic transmission ensure smooth driving.

Equipped with a Cummins ISDe285 30 engine, the CS/VP14 offers 210 KW of power, allowing it to climb slopes up to 60° and reach a maximum speed of 120 km/h. Its dimensions are 6600 mm in length, 2600 mm in width, and 2650 mm in height, with a total combat weight of 9000 kg. It can carry a crew of 2 and 8 additional passengers. The vehicle uses a full-time four-wheel-drive system, with a wheelbase of 3700 mm.

The VP11 is a mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicle, produced by China North Industries (Norinco). This family of vehicles was first introduced at a trade show in Zhuhai, China, in November 2014.

The VP11 is designed to withstand explosion and ambush threats, providing effective protection for its occupants. With a total weight of 12 tons, it can carry a crew of 12. The vehicle reaches a maximum speed of 120 km/h and has a cruising range of 800 km. It can clear vertical obstacles of 0.4 meters and ford water up to 0.8 meters deep, making it highly versatile on different terrains.

In terms of dimensions, the VP11 measures 5300 mm in length, 2500 mm in width, and 2400 mm in height. It is equipped with four-wheel drive, allowing excellent off-road mobility. The vehicle can carry a crew of 1 person and 7 additional soldiers. It is capable of climbing slopes up to 60% and side slopes up to 30%, while maintaining a ground clearance of 350 mm.

The VP11 is designed to operate in extreme temperatures, with an operating range from -25°C to 50°C. In addition to its structural robustness, it is armed with a main weapon caliber of 800 mm, offering significant firepower.

On January 15, the Burkina Faso Armed Forces also received 4×4 Dongfeng CS/SM1 mortar carriers, 6×6 Norinco WZ551 Wheeled Armored Combat Vehicles (WACV) in command post version, and WMA301 tank destroyers. According to Brigadier General Coulibaly, four more batches are still expected.