Togo Signals Strategic Shift with Kasser II Armoured Vehicle Deployment
Togo has publicly debuted its newly acquired Kasser II mine-resistant ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles, showcasing 12 units during the country’s Independence Day parade on April 27, 2025. The vehicles, sourced from the UAE’s International Golden Group (IGG), mark a major evolution in Togo’s approach to counter-terrorism and defence procurement.
By Jarryd Sinovich
Each vehicle appeared equipped with remote weapon stations and crewed by Togolese soldiers, offering a visible display of the country’s growing emphasis on mobility, survivability, and tactical deterrence in a region grappling with evolving security threats.
Expanding Beyond Traditional Suppliers
Togo becomes the third known operator of the Kasser II—joining the UAE’s National Guard and an undisclosed user—underscoring its pivot toward non-Western defence partnerships. Previously reliant on suppliers from France and South Africa, Togo is now turning to emerging Middle Eastern manufacturers, with the Kasser II forming part of that broader diversification.
Developed by M4 Industries and later refined by IGG, the Kasser II has undergone significant design upgrades since its 2021 debut at IDEX Abu Dhabi. The version delivered to Togo appears to be a derivative of Turkey’s Kirpi II MRAP, offering high protection against IEDs, mines, and ballistic threats.
Defence and Diplomacy Intertwined
Togo’s procurement strategy aligns with regional realignments. The country is reportedly considering joining the Alliance of Sahel States (AES)—a bloc led by military regimes in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, which have distanced themselves from ECOWAS and traditional Western partners.
Foreign Minister Robert Dussey did not rule out membership, citing the importance of national interest and public opinion. Such a move would position Togo alongside states that are increasingly aligned with Russia and China, and stepping away from French influence.
Long-Term Modernisation Strategy
The Kasser II is the latest in a series of MRAP acquisitions:
- 2022: 20 Mbombe 4 vehicles from South Africa’s Paramount Group
- 2021: 20 Marauders for UN peacekeeping in Mali (MINUSMA)
These purchases reflect a clear trajectory: strengthen armoured mobility and force protection, both for internal security and multinational deployments.
Strategic Implications
The appearance of the Kasser II in Lomé is more than ceremonial. It represents a tactical and diplomatic signal—Togo is adapting to the realities of a fragmented Sahel, aligning procurement with new partnerships, and reinforcing its readiness to engage in complex regional security environments.
As the Sahel continues to reshape itself geopolitically, Togo’s evolving defence posture places it at the intersection of emerging alliances, shifting loyalties, and high-stakes regional security.
