Haiti has taken delivery of its first seven Senator Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles) as part of a 17-vehicle acquisition program aimed at reinforcing the country’s ground forces and improving security operations. The new fleet is expected to enhance troop protection and strengthen the government’s ability to respond to gang-related violence and criminal activity.
The armored vehicles will be used for patrol duties, convoy protection, and humanitarian missions, ensuring safer mobility in volatile regions. Designed to shield soldiers from small-arms fire, improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and ambushes, the MRAPs will play a crucial role in restoring stability and safeguarding both military personnel and civilians.
Built by Canadian defense company Roshel, the Senator MRAP features NATO-standard armor capable of withstanding rifle fire, 155mm artillery fragments, mines, and TNT charges. Its V-shaped hull design deflects blast energy and shrapnel away from the cabin, increasing crew survivability during explosions.
Based on the Ford F-550 platform, the 4×4 vehicle measures six meters in length and can accommodate up to 10 passengers. It boasts a 2-ton payload capacity, a 330-horsepower V8 6.7-liter diesel engine, and a 10-speed automatic transmission, allowing speeds of up to 120 kilometers per hour and a range of 800 kilometers. The acquisition marks a key step in modernizing Haiti’s defense capabilities and strengthening its national security framework.
