Allegedly in Service with SOF
Reports circulating in the African defence press in recent days state that confirmation has been received that Algeria is operating Navistar Defense MaxxPro DASH armoured reconnaissance and utility vehicles, supposedly with the country’s special operations forces (SOF). MONCh believes, however, this may possibly be confused interpretation – other internet sources show the vehicle has been in service with the 116th regiment operationelle de manoeuvre for some time. The fact that three have allegedly been seen in service with SOF cannot as yet be verified.
The DASH is the smallest and most agile member of the MaxxPro family of mine resistant, ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicles, built to withstand a wide range of energetic events and with customised armouring options to enhance operational flexibility. It was optimised with the Afghan operational environment in mind.
The 15.5t vehicle has a 4.5t payload, a 425hp sic-cylinder diesel engine and a top speed of just over 100km/h, carrying a turret-mounted machinegun up to 12.7mm calibre. There is as yet no photographic confirmation as to whether Algeria’s vehicles are armed.