Benin Purchased Belarusian Caiman Armored Vehicles

The Armed Forces of the African country of Benin have purchased Belarusian Caiman armored vehicles.

The armored vehicles were presented during a military parade on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of independence, which took place on August 1.

The parade featured Caimans with the camouflage of the national army. The vehicles were equipped with 12.7 mm DShK heavy machine guns.

The armored vehicle, developed at the 140th repair plant in the Belarusian city of Borisov, was first presented in 2015.

The pre-production models are based on the BRDM-2 armored hull, while the production models are equipped with new Belarusian-made hulls.

The independent torsion suspension, axles, and wheel gears are made using units from the BTR-60.

According to official data, 67% of the Caiman’s components are Belarusian-made.

“The Caiman is designed to perform reconnaissance and sabotage missions, patrolling, and convoy escort.

Due to its compact size, high cross-country ability, and amphibious properties, the vehicle is capable of operating in marshland, forests, and hard-to-reach areas.

In general, the Caiman is an attempt by Belarus to create its own mobile armored platform, building on the Soviet heritage but with updated capabilities.

Although the vehicle is not unique in terms of its characteristics, it can be effective in conditions of limited budgets or for armies that do not require high-tech equipment.

The first foreign customer of this armored vehicle was the army of Côte d’Ivoire. In addition to Belarus, Benin also ordered military equipment from the People’s Republic of China.