Mauritania has significantly upgraded its defense capabilities by acquiring a range of Chinese Armored Vehicles, including the WMA-301.

On June 9, 2024, President Mohamed Ould Sheikh Al-Ghazouani conducted an official inspection of the newly acquired military assets, reinforcing the country’s commitment to modernizing its land, air, and naval forces.

Government’s Commitment to Defense Modernization

Upon arrival, President Al-Ghazouani was received by Minister of National Defense Hanen Ould Sidi, alongside key military officials such as Lieutenant General Mokhtar Bellah Chaabane, Commander of the General Staff of the Armed Forces. Other high-ranking officials, including the Chief of Staff of the National Gendarmerie and the Inspector General of the Armed Forces, were also present to oversee the military’s strategic advancements.

Source

Technical Briefing on New Equipment

During the inspection, Brigadier General Mohamed Al-Mukhtar Minni provided a comprehensive briefing, outlining the strategic importance of the Chinese Armored Vehicles. The new arsenal includes:

  • Advanced armored units

  • State-of-the-art communication systems

  • Field artillery and anti-armor units

  • Rocket and anti-aircraft launchers

  • Surveillance drones with missile guidance capabilities

These additions aim to enhance Mauritania’s operational capabilities, ensuring better territorial defense and rapid response to security challenges.

The WMA-301 and Its Features

Among the newly acquired vehicles, the WMA-301 stands out as a formidable asset. Manufactured by NORINCO China North Industries Corp, this armored vehicle is designed to withstand battlefield conditions and offers:

  • A 100 or 105 mm gun for superior firepower

  • A coaxial 7.62 mm machine gun and a 12.7 mm anti-aircraft machine gun

  • Nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) protection

  • Fire control and night vision systems

  • GPS navigation and air conditioning

With a weight of 19,000 kg, the WMA-301 can reach speeds of up to 85 km/h and cover a distance of 600 km, making it highly effective in military operations.

The Growing Influence of Chinese Defense Equipment

Mauritania’s preference for Chinese Armored Vehicles aligns with a broader trend of African nations choosing cost-effective military solutions from China. While these vehicles offer affordability compared to Western alternatives, concerns remain about their combat effectiveness. Countries like Senegal, Chad, Cameroon, and Djibouti have also adopted similar military equipment, demonstrating China’s expanding presence in Africa’s defense sector.

Mauritania’s investment in Chinese Armored Vehicles is a bold step toward strengthening national security. Do you think these vehicles will prove effective in combat? Share your thoughts in the comments!

For more automotive and defense insights, visit Auto24.