Equatorial Guinea has signed a contract with the Kader Factory for Developed Industries, a part of Egypt’s Arab Organization for Industrialisation (AIO). This agreement will see the delivery of Kader-2 armoured vehicles and Kader-1 riot control vehicles to Equatorial Guinea’s Ministry of National Security.
Lieutenant General Dr. Amr Abdel Aziz, Chairman of Kader Factory, confirmed that this is the first export of these vehicles to a foreign country. The agreement was facilitated by Ambassador Haddad Abdel Tawab, Egypt’s representative in Malabo, who played a crucial role in securing the deal. The vehicles will be supplied to Equatorial Guinea’s Ministry of National Security, with technical delegations expected to visit to assess further requirements.
The Kader-1 riot control vehicle, also known as the AR-1, is designed for urban security operations. It provides ballistic protection and can carry up to 11 personnel, including the driver. Key features include tactical run-flat tires, a tear gas filtration system, internal ventilation, and fire suppression systems.
The Kader-2, also known as the “Shield,” is built to withstand explosive devices and gunfire, including resistance to 7.62×51 mm rounds. It is equipped with fire ports, armored glass, and tactical run-flat tires for durability in both urban and rough terrain. The vehicle can accommodate both manually operated and remote-controlled weapons.
In September 2024, Egypt’s Ambassador to Malabo, Hadad Abdel Tawab El-Gohary, met with Equatorial Guinea’s Minister of Defence, Victoriano NSUE OKOMOK. The meeting highlighted the growing cooperation between the two countries in security and defence and discussed future collaboration.
During this period, Equatorial Guinea’s Defence Minister praised the cooperation between the nations and the valuable experience gained by Equatorial Guinean trainees in Egypt. He noted the benefits of the official visit by the Vice President of Equatorial Guinea to Egypt in June 2024, which included meetings with officials from the Arab Organization for Industrialization.
Egypt has historically supported Equatorial Guinea’s development since its independence from Spain in 1968. This relationship continues through training programs and technical cooperation.
The contract with Kader Factory is the first result of a recent focus on producing export-oriented light armoured vehicles. It follows a visit by Equatorial Guinea’s Vice-President Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue to Egypt, which led to an agreement for training Equatoguinean police personnel by the Egyptian Ministry of Interior.
Meanwhile, Egypt hopes to continue selling it’s indigenously developed military hardware to countries across the globe, but it’s primary targets are African nations battling various types of security threats.
Equatorial Guinea’s decision to strengthen its security infrastructure with Egyptian-made armoured vehicles marks a new chapter in the cooperation between the two nations, aiming to enhance regional stability and security.
Last October, Equatorial Guinea’s vice-president and heir apparent, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, announced the completion of training for the new Rapid Intervention Brigade (BIR). They subsequently acquired Russian-made GAZ Tigr tactical armoured vehicle for the brigade.
