Key Points
- It seems likely that the Russian Typhoon-PVO, a mobile air defense system designed for local conflicts, is attracting interest from African militaries facing insurgencies and less sophisticated threats, as stated by Vyacheslav Dzerkaln of Almaz-Antey.
- The system is not suited for high-end warfare but offers mobility and protection, including firing a machine gun at up to 20 km/h and supporting man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) for low-flying threats.
- Research suggests African countries see it as a cost-effective, practical solution, given limited resources and the need for flexible responses to asymmetrical warfare.
- The interest reflects growing defense ties with Russia, which provides alternatives to Western systems, helping diversify African nations’ defense technology sources.
The Russian Typhoon-PVO low-level air defense system is gaining traction among African militaries, particularly those grappling with ongoing insurgencies and localized conflicts.
African countries are showing great interest in the Russian Typhoon-PVO combat vehicle, Deputy Director General of the Russian Almaz-Antey Air Defense Concern for Foreign Economic Activity Vyacheslav Dzirkaln told Russian media on the sidelines of the IDEX-2025 International Defense Exhibition in Abu Dhabi.
This mobile system, designed for tactical protection rather than high-end warfare, offers a practical solution for countries with limited resources and less sophisticated military threats. Its features, such as mobility and the ability to engage threats on the move, align with the security needs of many African nations, while its appeal also highlights deepening defense cooperation with Russia.
This focus makes it particularly relevant for African nations grappling with ongoing insurgencies and less sophisticated military threats, as highlighted by Vyacheslav Dzerkaln, Deputy General Director of the Almaz-Antey air defense concern, in a recent statement. Dzerkaln noted, “A number of CIS and Asia-Pacific countries are interested in the machine. African countries are directly declaring their interest. Here we are talking, rather, about countries where there are no such large complexes, let’s say, attacks, that is, serious aviation, there are no cruise missiles and so on, rather, such local conflicts.”
The Typhoon-PVO is not built for advanced warfare scenarios involving major air assaults or cruise missiles. Instead, it is tailored for smaller, localized conflicts, making it ideal for African countries dealing with insurgencies and armed groups.
One of its key capabilities is the ability to fire a machine gun while moving at speeds up to 20 km/h, allowing troops to engage threats without stopping. This is crucial in environments where mobility is essential for survival, such as in unstable conflict zones. The vehicle features a rotating turret on its roof with a Kord machine gun, and a hatch for the gunner to operate it from inside, providing both protection and flexibility.
Additionally, the Typhoon-PVO can be equipped with a man-portable air defense system (MANPADS), enabling operators to protect against low-flying aircraft or drones from the safety of the vehicle. This makes it a mobile platform for air defense operations, perfect for quick response and mobility in combat situations, especially against asymmetrical tactics like hit-and-run attacks.
The Typhoon-PVO crew is carrying nine MANPADS, or anti-aircraft guided missiles, as ammo. According to the combat vehicle’s designers, the Verba MANPADS system-equipped model guarantees the interception of airborne weapons traveling up to 420 m/sec, 500–6,000 m in range, and up to 3.5 km in altitude.
The Typhoon-PVO combat vehicle reportedly has a 350-horsepower engine with a maximum speed of 100 km/h, independent hydropneumatic suspension, and an automated transmission.
The vehicle’s bottom armor can withstand up to six kilograms of explosives. The crew can be protected from 12.7 mm bullets by the ceramic armor and armor steel used for the hull’s ballistic protection. For MANPADS anti-aircraft gunners, the Typhoon-PVO combat vehicle has great mobility, enabling troops to be swiftly transported to firing positions.
Relevance to African Security Needs
African nations often face armed groups and insurgents who rely on mobility to avoid direct confrontation, employing hit-and-run tactics that require flexible, responsive military solutions.
The Typhoon-PVO’s ability to provide protection while on the move makes it valuable for military units in such unstable environments, helping them stay flexible and responsive to unpredictable combat situations.
Many African states are not facing major threats from advanced air forces or ballistic missiles but are instead dealing with insurgent groups, armed militias, and small-scale conflicts, making the Typhoon-PVO a cost-effective and practical choice for their specific security needs.
The Typhoon-PVO is designed to provide crucial protection to military units in motion, which is highly relevant in African conflict zones where forces must remain mobile and flexible to counter asymmetrical warfare tactics, such as hit-and-run attacks by rebel groups or insurgents. This is particularly important in regions like Central Africa, the Sahel, and parts of East Africa, where armed groups often engage in irregular warfare, making the vehicle’s ability to shield troops on the move a critical asset.
The interest in the Typhoon-PVO reflects growing defense ties between Russia and various African states. Russia has a long history of providing military hardware to African countries, offering alternatives to Western-made weapons systems.
For many African nations, acquiring Russian military equipment is not just about cost-effectiveness; it’s also about diversifying their defense technology sources and reducing dependency on traditional Western suppliers. Russia’s defense industry has been making inroads into Africa with both weapons systems and military training programs that are seen as more adaptable to the region’s specific needs, further fueling interest in systems like the Typhoon-PVO.
In summary, the Typhoon-PVO represents a strategic choice for African military forces dealing with modern conflict complexities, particularly asymmetrical warfare. Its mobility, protection capabilities, and adaptability to local threats make it an attractive option for countries looking to enhance their security without investing in high-end, costly defense systems.
As Africa continues to face various security challenges, the Typhoon-PVO could play a significant role in helping nations maintain stability and protect their forces in the field, while also strengthening ties with Russia.
