Equatorial Guinea Unveils New Rapid Intervention Brigade After Training Completion

Equatorial Guinea’s Vice President Teodoro Nguema announced the completion of training for the Rapid Intervention Brigade on October 19. The brigade consists of 684 personnel, with plans to procure advanced equipment, including long-range missiles. The ceremony also featured a demonstration of various Chinese-made armored vehicles. Nguema expressed gratitude for Chinese military instructors’ contributions.

On October 19, Teodoro Nguema Obiang Mangue, Vice President of Equatorial Guinea and heir apparent to President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, officially announced the completion of training for the newly formed Rapid Intervention Brigade (BIR). Nguema shared the news via social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, stating, “Equatorial Guinea now has a Rapid Intervention Brigade,” and noting that the initial group consists of 684 trained personnel across six specialties.

At the closing ceremony, Nguema highlighted the brigade’s effectiveness during field exercises and conveyed his intent to enhance their operational capabilities with more advanced equipment, specifically mentioning long-range missiles. “We are going to acquire more sophisticated materiel… We will also have long-range missiles, we are being serious,” he asserted in a televised address, emphasizing the importance of building a robust military presence in the region.

The Vice President’s ambitions for the BIR align with broader military goals of the state, which seem to prioritize maintaining a strong defense posture. During the ceremony, Nguema expressed gratitude toward the Chinese military instructors who played a pivotal role in training the brigade, recognizing their contribution to this new military unit.

A significant part of the event was a demonstration of various Chinese-manufactured armored vehicles intended for the BIR’s operations. These vehicles included models such as armored personnel carriers, infantry fighting vehicles, and command variants of the WZ551 6×6 armored vehicle, designed to bolster the brigade’s operational readiness and effectiveness in various scenarios.

Equatorial Guinea’s Vice President has confirmed the establishment of the Rapid Intervention Brigade, demonstrating the country’s ongoing military enhancements. The completion of training for 684 personnel, along with plans for acquiring advanced weaponry and equipment, signifies an effort to position itself as a stronger military force. Notably, the involvement of Chinese military instructors and the acquisition of sophisticated armored vehicles mark critical steps in this military evolution.

Original Source: www.janes.com