Haiti has begun to strengthen its military capabilities with the arrival of its first seven Senator Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) systems, part of a broader initiative that includes 17 vehicles aimed at enhancing the nation’s ground military fleet. The deployment of these advanced vehicles is intended to bolster operations against the increasing prevalence of armed gangs in the country, while also safeguarding troops in high-risk areas plagued by criminal activity.
The newly acquired Senator MRAPs will play a crucial role in various military operations, including conducting patrols, providing convoy security, and supporting humanitarian missions. Their design offers robust protection against small arms fire, improvised explosive devices, and ambushes, making them vital assets in ensuring troop safety in dangerous zones.
A formal ceremony to mark the occasion was led by Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, who was joined by Presidential Adviser Leslie Voltaire and Defense Minister Jean-Michel Moïse. The event saw the presence of senior military and government officials, highlighting the significance of enhancing Haiti’s security capabilities. During his address, Voltaire emphasized the importance of the MRAP fleet as a solution to “restore institutional capacity” and extend government presence in regions where state control has been diminished.
The Senator MRAP, developed by Canadian defense firm Roshel, features NATO-compliant armor engineered to withstand various threats, including rifle bullets, 155-millimeter artillery, multi-directional mines, and explosives. Its design includes a V-shaped under-chassis structure, which helps redirect shock waves and shrapnel away from the vehicle’s occupants during ground-based explosions.
This versatile 4×4 vehicle is based on the Ford F-550 truck platform, measuring 6 meters (20 feet) in length and accommodating up to 10 personnel with a hefty payload capacity of 2 tons (4,409 pounds). It is driven by a 330-horsepower V8 6.7-liter diesel engine and features a 10-speed automatic transmission, allowing it to reach speeds of approximately 120 kilometers (75 miles) per hour with a driving range of 800 kilometers (497 miles).
The procurement of these MRAP systems signifies a significant step forward in Haiti’s efforts to combat organized crime and restore stability, enabling military forces to operate more effectively in challenging environments.
