Gabon operating Chinese WMA-301 armoured vehicles.

Gabon Military has acquired a number of Chinese-made WNA-301 armoured vehicles, joining a growing number of users of the vehicle in Africa.The Chinese-made WMA301 fire support vehicles of the Gabonese military was displayed during the country’s Independence day parade on 17 August 2024, in Libreville.
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Chinese-made WMA301 fire support vehicles of the Gabonese military during Independence day parade. August 17th 2024, Libreville. (Picture source:Gabonese TV broadcast)

The parade featured alongside new Chinese Norinco WMA301 and WZ551 armoured vehicles, Emirati Inkas Titan S vehicles, and four of the Russian-made Spartak armoured vehicles (AMN-590951).The armoured fleet will be used by both the army and the influential Republican Guard, which is led by Gabon’s junta leader General Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema in person.

The WMA301 Assault Gun is a Chinese-manufactured wheeled armored vehicle, primarily intended for export. It features a formidable 105mm rifled gun mounted on the chassis of the Type 92 (WZ551) 6×6 armored personnel carrier. This design strikes a balance between firepower, mobility, and armor protection, making it versatile for various combat roles such as infantry support, reconnaissance, and light tank operations.

The 105mm gun is capable of firing multiple types of ammunition, including high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) and armor-piercing fin-stabilized discarding sabot (APFSDS) rounds, enabling it to engage a wide range of targets from armored vehicles to fortified positions.

Additionally, the WMA301 is equipped with advanced fire control systems, including a laser rangefinder and a ballistic computer, which enhance its accuracy and combat effectiveness. Its wheeled design, based on the adaptable Type 92 chassis, provides superior speed and maneuverability compared to tracked vehicles, making it ideal for rapid response and operations in diverse terrains. The WMA301’s success in the export market underscores its adaptability and the increasing demand for versatile, mobile fire support vehicles in global military markets.

China’s defense industry has significantly expanded its presence 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, increasing their military capabilities.The WMA 301 has enjoyed large export success in Africa. It has been supplied to Angola, Senegal, Djibouti, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, Chad, Burkina Faso, and Mauritania.

Gabon has acquired a number of other vehicles which includes; Norinco VN1 8×8 infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs), Norinco VP11 mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) Furthermore, last year, the Republican Guard of Gabon received a significant reinforcement to its fleet with the delivery of four AML-90 armored reconnaissance vehicles from France. The acquisition, in 2023 of these AML-90 armored reconnaissance vehicles comes at a critical juncture, just one month before the country’s presidential elections. Reports from Gabonese media indicate that the order for these vehicles was placed back in 2020. However, delays in delivery arose due to payment challenges faced by the Gabonese government.

Furthermore, concerns were raised by an inter-ministerial commission in France responsible for overseeing the export of military weapons, as they feared these vehicles could potentially be used to suppress protests during the upcoming general elections.