On a sunny morning in Abidjan, the economic heart of Cote d’Ivoire, the rhythmic march of boots and the low rumble of engines filled the air along Reine Pokou Boulevard. August 7, 2025, marked the nation’s 65th Independence Day, a celebration that blended national pride with a display of military might.
Thousands gathered to watch as 4,900 personnel from the defence and security forces paraded, accompanied by detachments from neighbouring countries like Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger. What caught the eye of observers, however, were the gleaming rows of armoured vehicles rolling past the reviewing stand, many making their public debut.
These included South African-built Puma M36 and DCD Springbuck SD armoured personnel carriers, Chinese WZ-551s and DongFeng EQ2050 light tactical vehicles, Turkish Ural and Cobra II models, and Emirati Shrek carriers produced by Streit Group. Unmanned aerial vehicles soared overhead, adding a modern twist to the spectacle. This array of hardware signalled a clear message: Cote d’Ivoire is actively modernising its land forces to address persistent security challenges in West Africa.
For years, the country’s military inventory remained modest, relying on a mix of aging French, Soviet-era, and second-hand equipment. Vehicles like the AML-60 and AML-90 light armored cars from France, BRDM-2 scout cars from the Soviet Union, and ERC-90F4 Sagaie reconnaissance vehicles formed the backbone of its armored units. These were supplemented in 2018 with BTR-70 and Kaiman carriers from Belarus, as well as Bastion APCs from France, but the fleet was limited in number and often outdated. By contrast, the 2025 parade showcased a deliberate shift toward diversification, drawing from suppliers across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. This approach not only spreads risk in terms of supply chains but also allows the Ivorian military to tailor its acquisitions to specific operational needs, from border patrols to counter-terrorism operations.
Cote d’Ivoire’s push for enhanced land capacity stems from a volatile regional landscape. The Sahel region to the north has become a hotbed for jihadist groups affiliated with al-Qaeda and the Islamic State, with spillover effects threatening coastal states. In recent years, attacks have crept southward, targeting border areas in Cote d’Ivoire’s northern regions like Tchologo and Bounkani. For instance, in June 2020, militants raided a military outpost in Kafolo, killing 14 soldiers and injuring others, marking one of the first major incursions. Similar incidents followed, including ambushes on patrols and bombings along supply routes. These threats have prompted the government under President Alassane Ouattara to invest heavily in defense, with the 2025 budget allocating over 1.2 trillion CFA francs (about $2 billion) to security forces. Armored vehicles play a central role in this strategy, providing protection against improvised explosive devices, small arms fire, and ambushes while enabling rapid troop deployment.
Among the standout acquisitions are the Puma M36 armored personnel carriers, originally destined for Niger but redirected amid shifting geopolitical alliances. The United States had planned to deliver 36 of these vehicles to Niger as part of counter-terrorism support, but after Niger’s military junta severed ties with Washington in 2024 and expelled American forces, the equipment was rerouted to more stable partners: Benin, Ghana, and Cote d’Ivoire.
On April 10, 2025, a dozen Puma M36s were formally handed over to Ivorian forces in a ceremony attended by U.S. officials. Manufactured by OTT Technologies in South Africa, the Puma M36 is a mine-resistant, ambush-protected vehicle designed for harsh environments. It features a V-shaped hull to deflect blasts, can carry up to 10 troops, and is powered by a 300-horsepower engine allowing speeds of up to 100 km/h on roads. Its modular design supports add-ons like remote weapon stations or surveillance gear, making it ideal for convoy protection and urban operations. The U.S. Embassy emphasised that the transfer included comprehensive training for Ivorian mechanics and operators, along with spare parts and ongoing maintenance support. This package ensures the vehicles remain operational, addressing a common pitfall in African militaries where equipment falls into disrepair due to skill gaps.
The Puma’s arrival builds on Côte d’Ivoire’s longstanding ties with South African defence firms. Another South African contribution, the DCD Springbuck SD, appeared prominently in the parade, having debuted the previous year alongside Husky route clearance vehicles. According to data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Cote d’Ivoire received 79 Springbuck SDs between 2022 and 2024. The Springbuck is a 4×4 light armoured vehicle optimised for mobility in rugged terrain, with a gross vehicle weight of around 9 tons and protection against 7.62mm armour-piercing rounds. It can accommodate eight personnel and features a roof-mounted turret for machine guns or grenade launchers. In West African contexts, similar vehicles have proven vital; for example, Nigerian forces used comparable MRAPs during operations against Boko Haram in the northeast, where they withstood roadside bombs and facilitated quick extractions. For Cote d’Ivoire, the Springbuck enhances rapid response units, particularly in forested border zones where heavier tanks would bog down.
Turning to Asian suppliers, China has emerged as a key partner, delivering hardware that combines affordability with firepower. The parade featured nine VN-22B wheeled armoured fire support vehicles, each armed with a 105mm gun capable of direct fire support. Produced by Norinco, the VN-22B is a 6×6 platform with amphibious capabilities, allowing it to ford rivers up to 1.2 meters deep without preparation. Its advanced fire control system integrates thermal imaging and laser rangefinders, enabling accurate engagements at ranges exceeding 2 kilometres. Alongside these, 17 Norinco VP11 MRAPs were acquired, offering enhanced mine protection through a double V-hull and seating for up to 11 soldiers. The WZ-551 APCs, also from China, are 6×6 infantry fighting vehicles that can be configured with anti-tank missiles or heavy machine guns, providing versatility in mixed infantry-armour operations. Additionally, DongFeng EQ2050 light tactical vehicles, akin to the American Humvee, serve as utility transports for reconnaissance and logistics.
China’s role in Cote d’Ivoire’s military buildup reflects broader trends in African defence procurement. Beijing has supplied over 20% of the continent’s arms imports in the past decade, often through favourable financing and no-strings-attached deals. In Cote d’Ivoire, these acquisitions since 2022 have filled gaps left by Western suppliers wary of human rights concerns. The VN-22B, for instance, draws from designs tested in Chinese peacekeeping missions in Mali, where similar vehicles supported UN forces against insurgent attacks. By integrating these into its 1st Armoured Brigade, Cote d’Ivoire gains mobile artillery that can support ground troops without relying on fixed positions, crucial in fluid counter-insurgency scenarios.
Turkey has also carved out a niche in the Ivorian arsenal, with vehicles like the Otokar Cobra II and the newly introduced Ural 4x4s. At least 20 Cobra IIs have been delivered since 2022, featuring modular armor that protects against 14.5mm rounds and STANAG Level 3 blasts. These 4×4 APCs are lightweight at 12 tons, with a top speed of 110 km/h, and can carry nine troops plus a driver. Their low profile and high maneuverability make them suitable for urban patrols in cities like Abidjan or Bouake, where post-2011 civil war tensions linger. The Ural, spotted with the Gendarmerie, is a rugged 4×4 designed for law enforcement and light military duties, equipped with optional turrets and non-lethal weapon systems. Turkey’s defense exports to Africa have surged, with sales reaching $4.3 billion in 2024, driven by drones and armored vehicles. In Ethiopia, similar Cobra models aided in the Tigray conflict, demonstrating their effectiveness in mountainous terrain akin to Cote d’Ivoire’s northern hills.
From the United Arab Emirates, the Shrek APC by Streit Group adds another layer of diversity. Built on a Toyota Land Cruiser chassis, the Shrek is a cost-effective MRAP with protection against 7.62mm fire and underbody blasts up to 6 kg TNT equivalent. It seats up to 10 and includes air conditioning, vital for West Africa’s humid climate. Streit’s vehicles have seen action in UN missions across the continent, such as in the Central African Republic, where they safeguarded convoys from rebel ambushes. For Cote d’Ivoire, the Shrek bolsters special forces units, enabling discreet insertions in high-threat areas.
These recent additions complement earlier procurements since 2022, including International Armored Group Jaws APCs from the UAE, Nurol Makina Ilgaz-II from Turkey, and vehicles from The Armored Group like the BATT UMG and Terrier LT-79. The Jaws, for example, is a heavy-duty MRAP with a 14-ton capacity and advanced electronics for command roles. The Ilgaz-II, a 4×4 with amphibious options, has been used by Turkish forces in Syria, offering lessons in hybrid warfare that Cote d’Ivoire can adapt.
Historically, Cote d’Ivoire’s military focused on internal stability after the 2002-2011 civil wars, which divided the country and depleted resources. The army, once numbering around 10,000, has grown to over 25,000, with armoured units centralised in the 1st Armored Brigade based in Akouedo. Older assets like the BMP-1/2 infantry fighting vehicles from Russia and VAB transporters from France still serve, but maintenance issues plague them. The 2018 Belarusian deliveries of BTR-70s provided interim boosts, but their vulnerability to modern threats like RPGs necessitated upgrades.
The diversification strategy mitigates dependence on any single supplier, a lesson from Niger’s fallout with the U.S. By sourcing from the U.S., China, Turkey, South Africa, and the UAE, Cote d’Ivoire navigates global politics while accessing varied technologies. U.S. aid emphasises training, as seen in joint exercises like Flintlock, where Ivorian troops practised with Puma vehicles alongside American advisors. Chinese deals often include infrastructure offsets, tying into Belt and Road projects like port expansions in Abidjan.
Regionally, this buildup contributes to stability. Cote d’Ivoire participates in the Accra Initiative, a counter-terrorism framework with Ghana, Benin, and others, sharing intelligence and conducting joint patrols. Armoured vehicles enable these operations, as evidenced by a 2024 cross-border exercise where Springbucks facilitated troop movements.
