Cambodia recently demonstrated its commitment to peacekeeping efforts by dispatching 14 Mahindra MPV-i armoured vehicles and five material containers to support the United Nations (UN) mission in Mali. The Khmer Times reported that The official ceremony marking this contribution took place on June 6 at the Multinational Peacekeeping Forces Training School in Phnom Sruoch District, Kampong Speu Province. In attendance was Ouch Borith, the Deputy Prime Minister and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. According to Borith, the armoured vehicles, known as MPVs (Mine-Protected Vehicles), along with the material containers for refuelling and existing equipment for the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Squadron, will be transported from the Sihanoukville International Port to Mali on June 8. The expected arrival of these resources in Mali is set for mid-August 2023. These vehicles and containers will serve to enhance and reinforce the capabilities of the existing fleet and equipment already deployed for the UN mission.
The ceremony held in Phnom Sruoch District served as a platform to reaffirm Cambodia’s commitment to maintaining international peace and security. It also highlighted the country’s continuous efforts to contribute to global peacekeeping endeavors. Through the provision of these essential resources, Cambodia hopes to assist the UN mission in Mali in successfully executing its mandate of fostering stability and safeguarding civilian lives. The deployment of armoured vehicles and material containers demonstrates Cambodia’s recognition of the unique challenges faced by peacekeeping forces in Mali. The presence of roadside mines and the risk of ambushes necessitate specialized vehicles capable of withstanding such threats, while material containers are crucial for logistical support. By equipping the EOD Squadron with necessary equipment, Cambodia aims to enhance their capacity to neutralize explosive ordnance safely, thereby minimizing risks to both the civilian population and peacekeeping personnel.
As the vehicles and equipment make their way to Mali, Cambodia remains committed to fulfilling its obligations as a responsible member of the international community. By actively participating in peacekeeping missions, Cambodia contributes to the collective efforts aimed at creating a more peaceful and stable world. The nation’s dedication to peacekeeping is a testament to its belief in diplomacy, dialogue, and multilateral cooperation as the means to resolve conflicts and promote harmony among nations. Cambodia’s recent dispatch of 14 armoured vehicles and five material containers to support the UN mission in Mali demonstrates its unwavering commitment to international peacekeeping. These resources will bolster the existing fleet and equipment, enabling peacekeeping forces to carry out their duties more effectively and safely. Cambodia’s contribution highlights the nation’s belief in the power of collective action and its determination to foster peace and stability in conflict-affected regions.
The Mahindra Mine Protected Vehicle-I (MPV-I), is an Indian MRAP-type armored personnel carrier manufactured by Defense Land Systems, a joint-venture of Mahindra & Mahindra Limited and BAE Systems, the first vehicle made under the venture. It is an improved Casspir variant built under licence. The MPV offers armored protection to its crew and passengers against ballistic and land mine threats. It uses a V-shaped hull of steel and monocoque construction to direct the force of the blast away from the occupants under a Ural truck chassis. It has been tested to protect against 7.62×51mm NATO, 7.62×39mm Soviet and 5.56×45mm NATO rounds from a 10m distance. It can withstand 21 kg of TNT equivalent explosions directly under any wheel, and 14 kg of TNT equivalent explosions directly under the crew compartment. It can carry up to 18 security and paramilitary personnel with full equipment including the crew. The MPV can be armed with a remote controlled weapon station for basic armaments purposes
