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China Supplies WMA301 105mm Assault Gun Vehicles to Equatorial Guinea Amid Unreported Deliveries.
According to recent pictures posted on the X social network, the armed forces of Equatorial Guinea are now equipped with Chinese-made WMA301 Wheeled 6x6 Armored Assault Guns. According to the SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute ) arms trade database, the Chinese delivered in 2018, 26 WZ-551 in APC (Armored Personnel Carrier) vehicles to Equatorial Guinea, but there is no official information about the delivery of WMA301 105mm assault gun which is based on the wheeled chassis of the WZ-551.
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Chinese-made WMA301 105mm fire support 66x armored vehicle of the Equatorial Guinean during military exercise. (Picture source X Account Hammer of War)
Equatorial Guinea's recent acquisitions include two Harbin Z-9WE armed helicopterS equipped with advanced electro-optical systems and weapon pylons capable of carrying guns, rockets, and anti-tank missiles , hint at the potential impact of these collaborations on Equatorial Guinea's military capabilities, raising significant concerns about the potential threat to the country's future military strength.
Equatorial Guinea's recent military purchases from China, including Red Arrow-8 anti-tank missiles, a landing ship, SM-4 self-propelled mortars, and WZ-551 armored personnel carriers, represent a significant upgrade in the country's military capabilities. This transformation, from Soviet-era equipmentto advanced Chinese hardware, is indeed impressive.
Furthermore, there are ongoing discussions and strategic interests concerning the establishment of a Chinese naval base in Bata, Equatorial Guinea. This base, if established, would not only provide China with a strategic foothold in the Atlantic Ocean, complementing its existing military presence in Djibouti, but also significantly influence Equatorial Guinea's strategic interests and regional dynamics. The Port of Bata, with its modern facilities and strategic location, is considered a suitable site for such a base.
China's involvement in Equatorial Guinea extends beyond military cooperation to significant infrastructure investments, including the construction and development of the Port of Bata and other critical projects. These investments have cemented China as a crucial partner for the Country's development.
The growing defense relationship between Equatorial Guinea and China is not just about military cooperation. It's a comprehensive partnership that spans both military and economic dimensions. This partnership is aimed at enhancing Equatorial Guinea's military capabilities while advancing China's strategic interests in the region. It's a relationship that goes beyond just defense, reflecting the depth and breadth of China's involvement in Equatorial Guinea.
The WMA301 Assault Gun is a Chinese-made wheeled armored vehicle designed primarily for export, featuring a powerful 105mm rifled gun mounted on the chassis of the Type 92 (WZ551) 6x6 armored personnel carrier. This combination offers a balance between firepower, mobility, and armor protection, making it suitable for a variety of combat scenarios, including infantry support, reconnaissance, and light tank roles. The 105mm gun can fire multiple types of ammunition, such as high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) and armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds, allowing it to engage a wide range of targets, from armored vehicles to fortified positions.
In addition to its primary armament, the WMA301 is equipped with advanced fire control systems, including a laser rangefinder and a ballistic computer, enhancing its accuracy and effectiveness in combat. The vehicle's wheeled design, based on the versatile Type 92 chassis, offers superior speed and maneuverability compared to tracked vehicles, making it ideal for rapid response and operations in diverse terrains. The success of the WMA301 in the export market reflects its adaptability and the growing demand for versatile, mobile fire support vehicles in global military markets.
China's defense industry has substantially expanded across the African continent through strategic arms sales, military cooperation, and infrastructure development. Chinese military equipment, including armored vehicles, helicopters, and anti-tank missiles, has been supplied to several African nations, enhancing their military capabilities.
