South African Twiga introduces Nkwe 4x4 MRAP with NATO Level 2 protection for counter-insurgency operations.

At the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2024 exhibition, the South African company Twiga Services and Logistics introduced its new Nkwe 4x4 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle at AAD 2024. The Nkwe, meaning "Leopard" in Setswana, was displayed alongside Twiga’s larger Nyati Armored Personnel Carrier (APC). Developed between 2022 and 2024, the Nkwe was qualified in 2024 and is designed for various military and peacekeeping operations.
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Powered by a Mercedes-Benz 4.8L four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, producing 218 hp and 810 Nm of torque, the Nkwe reaches a maximum speed of 100 km/h. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Nkwe provides NATO STANAG Level 2 ballistic protection for personnel, offering resistance against 7.62×39 mm armor-piercing rounds. The vehicle also offers Level 1 protection for the engine bay, shielding it from grenade blasts and anti-personnel mines. Additionally, it has Level 3a mine protection, able to withstand an 8 kg blast under any wheel or the center of the hull. These protection levels allow the Nkwe to operate in diverse roles such as motorized infantry, counter-insurgency, special forces, and urban operations.

The vehicle is powered by a Mercedes-Benz 4.8L four-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine, producing 218 hp at 2,200 rpm as well as 810 Nm of torque between 1,200 and 1,600 rpm, which is managed through an eight-speed manual-automatic transmission. This system enables the Nkwe to reach a maximum speed of 100 km/h. The suspension system is designed for off-road conditions, and the vehicle is equipped with tubeless radial tires with Run Flat Inserts (RFI), a Central Tyre Inflation System (CTIS), and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), ensuring the vehicle remains operational in various terrains. The vehicle’s gross vehicle mass (GVM) is 9,500 kilograms, and it is equipped with a 200-liter diesel fuel tank.

The Nkwe is available in several configurations, including Armored Personnel Carrier (APC), Weapons Platform (WP), and Battlefield Ambulance. It has seating for ten people, including the driver and commander, with eight additional occupants. The vehicle can be configured with either left-hand or right-hand drive and features an air-conditioning system providing 17,000 BTUs of cooling. It is also equipped with ten gun ports and can be fitted with manual or remote weapon stations, allowing it to fulfill various operational roles.

The Nkwe comes equipped with ten gun ports and can be fitted with manual or remote weapon stations, allowing it to fulfill various operational roles. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Twiga's CEO, Damian de Lange, stated that the Nkwe is designed to enable easy technology transfer for local manufacturing. Additionally, the vehicle introduces a new driveline upgrade for Twiga’s older armored vehicles, such as the Mamba and Nyoka. The new driveline components, which have been qualified for use in these vehicles, provide increased performance while allowing existing vehicle hulls to be reused. This upgrade is expected to extend the operational life of these platforms for the next two decades.

The Nkwe’s introduction is part of Twiga’s broader approach, which includes maintenance and support programs, ensuring clients have access to the necessary resources for vehicle repair and modernization. By offering technology transfer options, Twiga aims to help clients build local manufacturing capabilities, ensuring long-term operational viability for the Nkwe and other armored vehicles in their fleets.

The Nkwe 4x4 introduces a new driveline upgrade for Twiga’s older armored vehicles, such as the Mamba and Nyoka, which provide increased performance while allowing existing vehicle hulls to be reused. (Picture source: Army Recognition)