Congo to procure GAZ-233036 Tigr armoured vehicles from Russia

The Republic of Congo has signed an agreement with Russia for delivery of several SMP-2 GAZ-233036 Tigr (Tiger) armoured vehicles to support its police force missions, Russia’s Military-Industrial Company (MIC) has confirmed.

MIC was quoted by RIA Novosti as saying, "The first contract has been signed and the first consignment of Tigers is being prepared for delivery to the African continent."

Without disclosing the number of vehicles, the company said that the first batch of Tiger armoured vehicles are scheduled to be delivered before the end of 2012.

Additional contract with the Congolese Interior Ministry "is pending," the company added.

The high-mobility multipurpose military vehicle can carry 1.2t of cargo and can travel at a speed of 150kmph.

The 4×4 multi-role, all-terrain light armoured vehicle has been designed for police and law enforcement agencies, while the SPM-2 provides a Nato Stanag 4569 level 2 ballistic protection.

Featuring KI-115AM tyres with automatic tyre inflation system, the armoured vehicles are powered by Cummins B205 20 diesel engine coupled to either GAZ JSC 5-speed mechanical or Allison LCT-1000 automatic transmission.

Armed with a 7.62mm/12.7mm machine gun or 30mm automatic grenade launcher, the vehicle is 5.16m-long and 2.2m-wide.