New Cameroon Armored Pigtail

The "New Cameroon Armored Pigtail" likely refers to recent upgrades or acquisitions of light armored vehicles, such as the Ratel IFVs, Bastion APCs, or CS/VP3 MRAPs, enhancing Cameroon's mobility, protection, and firepower.

Overview of Cameroon's Armored Vehicle Fleet

Cameroon's military emphasizes light armored mobility and fire support to address insurgencies, separatist movements, and cross-border threats . The army maintains approximately 430 armored vehicles, including Panhard AMLs, Ratel IFVs, and ERC-90 Lynx vehicles, alongside utility vehicles like Toyota Land Cruisers for rapid deployment . These vehicles are sourced from France, South Africa, China, and Russia, reflecting a mix of legacy and modern systems .

Recent Upgrades and Acquisitions

Ratel Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs)

The Rapid Intervention Battalion (BIR), Cameroon's elite unit responsible for presidential protection, is receiving upgraded Ratel IFVs from South Africa . These vehicles have undergone a seven-month refurbishment by OTT Technologies, including:

• New armor and advanced protection systems
• Upgraded 20mm cannon and 7.62mm machine gun
• Enhanced communications and sighting systems
• Smoke grenade launchers and pintle-mounted machine guns
• Capacity for up to 11 personnel, including crew The first batch of these remanufactured Ratels is expected to be delivered soon, significantly boosting the BIR's operational capabilities against Boko Haram and other threats .

Bastion APCs and CS/VP3 MRAPs

Cameroon also operates Bastion APCs from France, providing troop transport with protection against small arms and landmines, and CS/VP3 MRAPs from China, which offer superior defense against IEDs . These vehicles are particularly effective in counterinsurgency operations in the Far North and Anglophone regions .

Local Production Efforts

There are indications that Cameroon is exploring local assembly and production of armored vehicles, aiming to increase self-reliance in defense manufacturing and reduce dependency on foreign suppliers .

Role in Cameroon's Defense Strategy

The new armored vehicles, including the upgraded Ratels, are central to Cameroon's strategy of rapid deployment, enhanced protection, and firepower in diverse terrains. They support operations against insurgents, separatists, and organized crime, while also safeguarding key government officials . The focus on light, mobile, and well-protected vehicles aligns with the army's broader modernization goals and regional security needs .

Conclusion

While the term "Armored Pigtail" is not officially documented, it likely refers to Cameroon's latest light armored vehicle upgrades, particularly the Ratel IFVs supplied and modernized by South Africa. These vehicles, along with Bastion APCs and CS/VP3 MRAPs, enhance the army's operational flexibility, protection, and combat effectiveness in counterinsurgency and rapid response missions .