AAD 2016: Proforce ready to begin Ara MRAP production

Nigerian armoured vehicle manufacturer Proforce is about to begin producing the prototypes of the Ara ('Thunder') mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicle that it has developed for the Nigerian Army with DICON, the state-owned defence industry corporation.



Production of the Nigerian Army's initial order of nine Ara MRAPs is expected to begin in early 2017. (Proforce)

Proforce's Ayobami Omotoriogun told IHS Jane's at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) show held in South Africa on 14-18 September that the company has the steel and glass to begin making the three prototypes of the Ara.

He said the first should be delivered in December, at which point the Nigerian Army will begin testing the vehicle. While some adjustments may be made to the design based on the army's feedback, he expects production to begin on the nine vehicles it has initially ordered early next year and added that the jigs are already in place.

Source: janes