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US Supplies Benin with Modern Puma 4x4 MRAPs to Counter Sahel Threats.
On November 27, 2024, the United States officially handed over military equipment valued at an estimated 3.5 billion CFA francs (5.9 million USD) to the Beninese Armed Forces (FAB) during a ceremony at the Allada military camp. This donation includes twelve Puma M36 mine-resistant, ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles, 280 ballistic plates, and 35 L3Harris Falcon III tactical radios. These assets aim to strengthen the operational capabilities of Beninese soldiers amid growing security challenges.
OTT-USA 4X4 Puma M36 MRAP Vehicle (Picture source: OTT-USA)
The twelve Puma M36 vehicles delivered to Benin are Mk 6 versions manufactured by United Manufacturing Technologies (OTT-USA). Originally part of a batch of 38 units intended for Niger, their allocation was reassigned following the suspension of U.S.-Niger military cooperation. Of this batch, Benin will receive 12 vehicles, while Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire will each receive 13. This redistribution seeks to bolster the capacities of these three countries to address regional security threats.
The redeployment of Puma M36 vehicles to Benin, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire occurs against the backdrop of shifting U.S. security priorities in West Africa. After halting military cooperation with Niger following the July 2023 coup, the U.S. sought to strengthen ties with other strategic nations in the region. Benin, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire, situated along the Gulf of Guinea, play critical roles in combating the expansion of terrorist groups operating in the Sahel and border regions. By equipping these nations with modern assets such as the Puma M36, the U.S. aims to stabilize a strategically important region for maritime trade and global energy security while countering competitors like China and Russia, who are also expanding their influence in Africa.
The Puma M36 MRAP is a robust and versatile vehicle designed for high-risk environments. Capable of accommodating up to 12 personnel, it offers advanced ballistic protection against small arms fire, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and artillery shrapnel, meeting EN 1063 B7 standards. Its V-shaped monocoque hull provides mine protection at STANAG 4569 Level 4, ensuring high survivability in asymmetric warfare scenarios. Variants of the Puma include roles such as command vehicles, demining units, and ambulances, showcasing its adaptability to hostile regions like Somalia.
The development of the Puma M36 Mk6 addresses the growing need to protect troops operating in asymmetric and high-risk environments. Designed by United Manufacturing Technologies (OTT-USA), the vehicle was launched in the 2010s to meet the demands of military and internal security forces combating IEDs and ambushes. From its inception, the Puma M36 incorporated a V-shaped monocoque hull, a proven technology for deflecting explosion shockwaves, and was designed with modular solutions for rapid mission adaptation.
In 2015, the first Puma M36 units were deployed in conflict zones like Somalia, where they proved effective against IED threats. By 2018, enhancements to ballistic armor standards, reaching EN 1063 B7 and B6 levels, were introduced to address the increasing demands of modern operations. Since then, the Puma M36 has been adopted by numerous military and security forces worldwide, establishing itself as a reliable platform for command, logistics, demining, and medical evacuation missions. These developments reflect OTT-USA’s commitment to innovation and addressing global security challenges.
The Puma M36 is utilized by several armed forces and security agencies globally, demonstrating its reliability and versatility. Notable users include African countries like Somalia, where it has been employed in counter-insurgency and route clearance missions. In West Africa, it has recently been supplied to Benin, Ghana, and Côte d’Ivoire to enhance protection against growing cross-border threats. Additionally, Middle Eastern and Asian nations have integrated the Puma M36 into their fleets for peacekeeping operations, logistical missions, and demining efforts. The vehicle is also favored by internal security agencies for urban patrols and counter-terrorism due to its durability, modularity, and adaptability to various operational environments.
These vehicles, alongside ballistic plates and advanced tactical radios, will enhance the security and communication efficiency of the Beninese Armed Forces, enabling them to address regional threats more effectively.
Beyond equipment, the United States actively supports the FAB through extensive training programs. In 2024, over 2,000 Beninese soldiers were trained under the BORSEC project, while around 30 officers participated in specialized training programs in the U.S.
The U.S. donation is part of a broader international effort to strengthen Benin’s defense capabilities. France has supplied 41 armored personnel carriers (APCs) over the past two years, alongside pickups and Puma transport helicopters. The European Union has also contributed by reallocating two Mamba armored vehicles to Benin through the European Union Security and Defense Initiative in the Gulf of Guinea (EUSDI GOG) following the suspension of its support to Niger. Benin’s inclusion in the European Peace Facility has unlocked €5 million in funding aimed at improving the military’s effectiveness.
Earlier in 2024, the U.S. provided equipment worth 1.8 billion CFA francs, including fuel trucks and spare parts. In November, another donation valued at approximately $2 million included Toyota LandCruiser pickups, medical kits, and portable GPS systems. These contributions reflect a coordinated effort by international allies to bolster Benin’s resilience against regional instability.
Since 2023, this partnership has intensified with military deliveries such as individual protective kits in August 2024 and all-terrain vehicles in November 2024, aimed at enhancing the FAB’s capacity to counter cross-border threats, including terrorism and maritime piracy. The May 2024 visit of AFRICOM commander General Michael Langley underscored U.S. interest in establishing a strategic presence in southern Sahel as cooperation with Niger was suspended. By supporting Benin, the U.S. seeks to secure a stable and strategic ally in a region marked by rising tensions.
The Beninese Armed Forces primarily focus on border and internal security but face growing challenges in northern regions due to worsening security conditions. To address these threats, the government has established a military base in the north and increased border patrols to counter regional Islamist groups. Maritime security is also a priority, given the persistent piracy threat in the Gulf of Guinea. In response to growing counter-terrorism needs, Benin has created a National Guard and is working to improve soldiers’ living conditions. The country has forged international partnerships, including a security cooperation agreement with Rwanda in 2022, military support from France – comprising armored vehicles and training to enhance border surveillance – and armored vehicle deliveries from China. U.S. support has included training for the army and national police as well as the provision of a patrol boat. While Benin contributes personnel to the Multinational Joint Task Force to combat Islamist terrorism, its external deployment capability remains limited without international assistance, as the country lacks a substantial defense industry beyond maintenance capacities.
According to the Military Balance 2024, the Beninese Armed Forces maintain a diverse arsenal of armored vehicles from various international suppliers. Their fleet includes 18 Soviet-made PT-76 light tanks and 24 reconnaissance vehicles, comprising 3 French AML-90s, 14 Soviet BRDM-2s, and 7 American M8 Greyhounds. In terms of armored personnel carriers (APCs), the army operates 49 units, including 22 U.S.-made M113 tracked APCs and 17 wheeled vehicles, such as 2 French-designed Bastion APCs and 15 French VABs. For protected patrol vehicles (PPVs), Benin has 10 South African Casspir NGs, renowned for their robustness. Finally, its fleet of 19 armored utility vehicles (AUVs) includes 9 Chinese Dongfeng Mengshi and 10 French VBLs, used for multipurpose reconnaissance and support missions. This array of vehicles highlights Benin’s reliance on international procurement to meet its operational needs.