In a move signaling a significant upgrade of its military capabilities, Burkina Faso has taken delivery of the first batch of advanced weaponry under its new strategic equipment plan.
The unveiling occurred on January 12th, with President Captain Ibrahim Traoré presiding over a ceremony showcasing the newly acquired arsenal.
Among the most prominent additions are six WMA301 fire-support vehicles, manufactured by the Chinese company Norinco. These 105mm mobile howitzers offer powerful indirect fire support, bolstering Burkina Faso’s capacity to counter militant activity within its borders.
Accompanying the WMA301s are eight Norinco 81mm CS/SM1 self-propelled mortars, mounted on Dongfeng light tactical vehicles – a previously unseen configuration in Africa.
President Traoré’s inspection extended beyond armored vehicles, as he also examined shipping containers brimming with assorted weaponry and ammunition.
These included 60mm WW90 mortars, mortar rounds, and ammunition for RPG-7-type recoilless guns – further equipping Burkina Faso’s troops with diverse offensive and defensive capabilities.
Defense Minister Brigadier General Kassoum Coulibaly announced this delivery as the first of five shipments scheduled to arrive over the coming months, underscoring the ambitious scope of the strategic equipment plan.
President Traoré unveiled the plan during a televised address on December 31st, 2023, withholding specifics at the time but promising their gradual disclosure throughout the year.
One concrete initiative revealed within the plan is the formation of the Special Rapid Intervention Brigade. This elite unit will be assembled by merging existing rapid intervention battalions with a special forces group, with the objective of reclaiming territory currently held by militant groups operating within Burkina Faso’s borders.
The influx of new weaponry and the establishment of the specialized brigade signal a determined effort by the Burkina Faso government to confront the ongoing security challenges.
While details surrounding the plan’s full scope and cost remain unknown, the initial delivery demonstrates a significant step towards bolstering the country’s military capabilities and potentially shaping the trajectory of its fight against militancy.