KAMPALA: The Ugandan army has purchased modern, state-of-the art equipment from China, some of which is being used in air and artillery strikes against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels in DR Congo.
Information obtained by the Kampala Report indicates that China has supplied Uganda with VN-2Cs, Infantry Fighting Vehicles (IFVs), and CS/VP3 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) which are in the category of Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles.
VN-2Cs, which are manufactured by China North Industries Corporation (Norinco), outwardly they resemble the significantly modified Type 92 created in the 90s, also known as the ZSL-92. However, the VN-2Cs offer more protection, including mine protection. Similar vehicles have been acquired by a host of African regimes, including Mali and Nigeria.
On the other hand, the CS/VP3, designed and manufactured by the Chinese Company Poly Technologies, responds to needs of modern armies. MRAP vehicles were largely used during the war in Iraq and currently in Afghanistan.
The CS/VP3 is motorized with an unspecified Diesel engine. The vehicle can run at a maximum road speed of 100km with a maximum cruising range of 800 km. The CS/VP3 is able to negotiate slopes up to 60%, side slopes to 30%, vertical obstacle of 0.6m and fording depth of 1.2m.
The Chinese MRAP vehicle CS/VP3 is said to cost about $250,000.
Norinco) and Poly Technologies Inc are two of the top Chinese arms manufacturers. For instance, Norico is the primary supplier of military equipment for the Chinese army; providing tanks, long-range suppression weapons, and air defence among other battle equipment