Burkina Faso has revealed a new Chinese-made air defence system as the country continues to expand its military equipment.
The system appeared in footage released by Burkina Faso’s presidency on September 1.
Defence publication Janes assessed the equipment shown in the footage as the Sky Dragon 30, an air defence system developed by China’s state-owned defence company Norinco.
The footage showed an air-surveillance radar, a control station and a missile launcher during a test.
Sky Dragon 30 identified in footage
Janes said the missile canisters seen in the footage appeared consistent with those used by the Sky Dragon 30.
However, the publication noted that the launcher differed slightly from the version previously displayed by Norinco.
Burkina Faso’s authorities did not identify the system by name in the footage.
DefenceWeb has also reported that Burkina Faso has introduced the Chinese-made Sky Dragon system into service.
System designed for aerial threats
According to specifications previously published by Norinco and reported by Janes, the Sky Dragon 30 has a maximum range of around 30 kilometres.
It can operate at altitudes of up to 18 kilometres.
The mobile system is designed to defend against aerial threats such as aircraft, drones and cruise missiles.
It can operate alongside radar and command systems used to detect and track airborne targets.
Burkina Faso expands military equipment
The latest system follows several deliveries of Chinese-made military equipment to Burkina Faso in recent years.
The country has received armoured vehicles, artillery systems and other equipment manufactured by Chinese defence companies.
Burkina Faso’s growing military acquisitions come as its authorities seek to strengthen the country’s security capabilities.
The disclosure of the Sky Dragon system adds air defence equipment to the range of Chinese-made military hardware now used by Burkina Faso.