Haiti Receives 10 New Armored Vehicles from United States Amid Internal Tensions.

On Sunday, May 19, 2024, the National Police of Haiti (PNH) received a boost in their fight against armed gangs with the delivery of 10 new armored vehicles from the United States. This delivery is part of a $60 million military aid program approved by the Biden administration, aimed at supporting the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti.
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These 10 armored vehicles aim to enhance the operational capabilities of the PNH. (Picture source: PNH)

Frantz Elbé, the Acting Commander-in-Chief of the PNH, along with members of the High Command, was present at Toussaint Louverture International Airport to receive the vehicles. The United States Ambassador to Haiti, Dennis Bruce Hankins, was also in attendance. The vehicles were provided by the American government through the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL).

These armored vehicles are reportedly Terrier LT-79 models, produced by TAG in Canada. The Terrier LT-79 is a robust armored vehicle designed for security and defense missions. Its overall length is 5226 mm (without the spare wheel), its width is 1874 mm, and its height reaches 2180 mm. It sits on a wheelbase of 3180 mm and has a track width of 1589 mm, with a ground clearance of 290 mm under the differentials. Its approach and departure angles are 41° and 33° respectively, making it capable of navigating difficult terrains.

The Terrier LT-79 is designed to accommodate up to 8 people with a 2+6 seating configuration, which can be increased to 2+8 with optional bench seating. It has three doors and can be equipped with an optional roof turret with a hatch.

The vehicle's curb weight is 4600 kg with standard protection, and it can carry a payload of 1000 kg, reaching a combat weight of 5600 kg. It is powered by a Toyota 1VD-FTV engine, a turbocharged, liquid-cooled V8 diesel engine with direct injection. This engine has a displacement of 4461 cm³ and can produce up to 195 horsepower at 3300 rpm, with a maximum torque of 430 Nm between 1200 and 3200 rpm. It features a 5-speed manual transmission and is equipped with two 90-liter fuel tanks, offering a range of 800 km.

The Terrier LT-79 has a selectable 4x4 driveline, hydraulically assisted recirculating ball steering, and robust suspension: coil springs with hydraulic shock absorbers at the front and leaf springs with hydraulic shock absorbers at the rear. It rides on 9.00 x 17-inch steel wheels, each rated to support 1550 kg, equipped with Hankook Dynapro 37 x 12.5 R17 tires capable of handling up to 1650 kg. Standard features include run-flat inserts.

In terms of mobility, the Terrier LT-79 can reach a top speed of 100 km/h and has a turning circle of 14.4 m curb to curb. It can climb grades of up to 60%, support a static side slope of 30%, cross-vertical steps of 350 mm, trenches of 750 mm, and ford unprepared water up to 700 mm deep.

These 10 armored vehicles aim to enhance the operational capabilities of the PNH, allowing them to more effectively combat gangs that terrorize the country. During the reception, Frantz Elbé reiterated the PNH's commitment to restoring order and peace across Haiti.

The $60 million military aid program approved by the Biden administration for Haiti is designed to help the country combat armed gangs. This program follows an initial $10 million aid granted at the end of March. According to documents obtained by POLITICO, this military aid program includes, among other things, at least 80 Humvees, 35 MaxxPro armored infantry carriers, firearms, precision rifles, anti-riot equipment, munitions, and surveillance drones.

This decision will provide weapons and equipment to the personnel of the countries making up the Multinational Security Support Mission, including Kenya, Benin, Chad, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Barbados, and Bangladesh, among others, in addition to the National Police of Haiti.