Ecuadorian Army receives 51 new David 4x4 and Mbombe 6 6x6 armored vehicles.

On August 7, 2024, in Portoviejo, at the 3rd Manabí Mechanized Cavalry Brigade base, the Ecuadorian Army received 45 David 4x4 and six Mbombe 6 6x6 armored vehicles. These vehicles, provided by the President of Ecuador, Daniel Noboa Azín, are intended for use in urban areas, conflict zones, target acquisition, reconnaissance, and personnel transport, enhancing the operational readiness and capacity of the Ecuadorian Army.
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The Ecuadorian Army received a total of 51 new armored vehicles, including 45 David 4x4 and six Mbombe 6 6x6 armored vehicles. (Picture source: Ecuadorian MoD)

Produced by MDT Armor Corporation, an American subsidiary of the Israeli company Shladot LTD, the David is a light 4x4 armored vehicle that has seen a decade of use in combat conditions. Built using components from either Toyota or Land Rover, it offers a maximum gross vehicle weight (GVW) of up to 4.5 tons, with up to STANAG II protection. It has been employed extensively by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in various combat scenarios, encountering threats ranging from rocks and stones to assault weapons and improvised devices.

The David is built on the Toyota Hilux platform, providing adaptability and versatility. It can be configured with either right-hand drive (RHD) or left-hand drive (LHD) options and is available with 3, 4, or 5 doors for crew access. Its maximum GVW is 4,200 kg, making it suitable for various mission profiles. The vehicle is powered by a 148 HP engine with 408 Nm of torque and offers both automatic and manual transmission options. The David can accommodate up to 8 crew members, with dimensions including an overall length of 5.05 meters, width of 1.99 meters, height of 2.23 meters, wheelbase of 3.09 meters, ground clearance of 279 mm, and approach/departure angles of 35°/30°. Air conditioning is available for both the front and rear compartments, ensuring crew comfort.

The David has been employed extensively by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for a decade, encountering threats ranging from rocks and stones to assault weapons and improvised devices. (Picture source: MDT Armor)

Earlier this year, on May 10, 2024, the 3rd Manabí Mechanized Cavalry Brigade of the Ecuadorian Army received its first Mbombe 6 6x6 armored vehicles, manufactured by the South African company Paramount Group. The Ecuadorian Army purchased these 6x6 armored vehicles for military operations aimed at combating terrorist groups such as the FARC and drug trafficking organizations operating along the northern border. The first batch of Mbombe 6 armored vehicles was received by the Ecuadorian Army as part of a larger acquisition by the Latin American National Defense Forces and the Southern African Development Community (SADC), announced last year by Paramount at the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) event in London. Although the Latin American client was not initially disclosed, it became evident that Ecuador is likely the recipient of these 20 military vehicles.

The decision to adopt Paramount's Mbombe 6 was influenced by its protection capabilities against prevalent threats such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs), antipersonnel mines, and unexploded ordnance. These threats are significant along the Ecuadorian northern border and pose risks to personnel across various operational environments, including border, rural, and urban settings. The Mbombe 6 complies with the STANAG 4569 standard, providing class 3 protection, including resilience against 7.62×51 caliber armor-piercing rounds. Its mine-resistant design, featuring a V-shaped hull capable of withstanding detonations up to 10 kg in TNT equivalent, further enhances its suitability for the specified operational context. Notably, several countries, including Ukraine and Kazakhstan, have chosen the Mbombe 6 armored vehicles due to their effectiveness. Moreover, these nations are anticipated to locally produce the 6x6 vehicle under license, indicating a recognition of its capabilities and potential for adaptation to diverse operational requirements.

Designed to fulfill multiple military roles such as medical evacuation, personnel transport, infantry fire support, and engaging enemy armored vehicles, the Mbombe 6 is a 6x6 armored fighting vehicle powered by a turbo diesel engine generating 336 kW (450 HP) and 1,627 Nm of torque. This allows for a top speed of approximately 100 km/h and a range of about 700 kilometers on a single tank. The vehicle has a payload capacity of up to 2,300 kg, which can include various weapon systems. It can accommodate up to 11 personnel, including the driver, commander, and nine dismounts, making it suitable for troop transport and direct engagement roles.

The decision to adopt Paramount's Mbombe 6 was influenced by its protection capabilities against prevalent threats such as improvised explosive devices (IEDs), antipersonnel mines, and unexploded ordnance. (Picture source: Ecuadorian MoD)