Kenya Receives Springbuck Armored Vehicles From South-Africa.

The Kenyan government has acquired a series of Springbuck armored personnel carriers from DCD Protected Mobility. The first fleet of these advanced vehicles was inaugurated and deployed on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, by Kithure Kindiki, the Minister of Interior and Secretary of the Cabinet for Interior and National Administration, marking the start of Operation Maliza Uhalifu.
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The Kenyan government has acquired a series of Springbuck armored personnel carriers from DCD Protected Mobility. (Picture source: Kenya MoD)

This purchase is a key part of Kenya's broader strategy to improve its defensive posture against terrorism, banditry, and organized crime. The Springbuck vehicles are distinguished by their robust construction and superior protection capabilities, providing essential security for personnel engaged in combat.

The unveiling event was attended by senior officials, including Principal Secretary Dr. Raymond Omollo, and Inspector General of the National Police Service Japhet Koome, among others, emphasizing the government's firm stance in combating threats to national peace and security.

The Springbuck is a South African armored personnel carrier. Equipped with a 6-cylinder MWM 6.12 TCA turbo diesel intercooled engine, capable of producing 286 horsepower and 782 lb-ft of torque. Its 5-speed automatic transmission Allison 3000SP and two-speed transfer case for high and low ranges enhance its ability to maneuver in various conditions.

It has an acceleration from 0 to 48 km/h in 15 seconds and the capability to climb maximum slopes of 35 degrees. Its ability to tackle side slopes up to 22 degrees and a range of 600 km allows it to navigate long distances without frequent refueling. The Springbuck can operate in temperatures ranging from -8°C to 50°C, ensuring its reliability in extreme environments.

The design of the Springbuck places particular emphasis on crew protection. It can be equipped with additional armor to achieve a ballistic protection level up to STANAG level 3. Its V-shaped hull protects against explosions, while various fire protection options are available to further secure the cabin and engine compartment. The vehicle also offers a weapons platform, which can be equipped with remote or manual weapon stations.

The Springbuck's payload capacity is 2,000 kg, with a total gross vehicle weight of 13,500 kg. It is equipped with 14.00R20 wheels with steel rims and standard run-flat inserts, ensuring its mobility even in the most difficult conditions. Its pneumatic dual-circuit braking systems, with disc brakes on all wheels and ABS, ensure increased safety during movement.

The robust suspension of the Springbuck, consisting of semi-elliptical leaf springs and telescopic double-acting shock absorbers, gives it great stability and load capacity. Maneuverability is facilitated by power-assisted steering, and the vehicle includes lifting and tie-down points for transport.

The interior configuration options offer standard seating for 11 people, including the driver and commander, plus secure storage spaces for equipment. Cabin access is possible via two side doors, one rear door, and one roof hatch, depending on the configuration. For maintenance, the Springbuck is designed with platform-type fenders and bumper providing easy access to the engine compartment, thus emphasizing the focus on functionality and operational efficiency.

Over the past six months, the Kenyan government has allocated 7.6 billion Ksh and plans to invest an additional 29.4 billion Ksh over the next three years in the Police Equipment Modernisation (PEM) program. This initiative aims to provide the police with modern equipment and mobility solutions such as armored personnel carriers (APC), mine-resistant ambush-protected vehicles (MRAP), unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), drones, attack helicopters, mine sweepers, personal protective equipment, focusing on the safety of frontline officers.

Historically, the Kenyan Defence Forces have accumulated a diverse fleet of armored vehicles. In 2021, the Ministry of Defence purchased 118 Hizir armored vehicles for 7.7 billion Sh ($69 million) from Katmerciler, a decision made after evaluating proposals from competitors in South Africa and North America.

Furthermore, the Kenyan Defence Forces (KDF) troops serving in Somalia as part of the African Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) have been equipped with six Guardian Xtream 4×4 armored personnel carriers from the International Armoured Group (IAG), originating from the United Arab Emirates, demonstrating Kenya's commitment to securing its forces and the nation against external threats.