The Tornado is a 4x4 APC Armored Personnel Carrier fully designed and developed by the UAE-based company Streit Group. (Picture source: Streit Group)

President Yoweri Museveni inaugurated the joint venture, NEC-Streit Uganda Ltd., on July 27, 2022. The manufacturing facility, located in Nakasongola, near Lake Kyoga, represents a strategic alliance between the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), the commercial arm of the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF), and Streit Group, one of the world's largest manufacturers of armored vehicles. NEC was established in 1989 by an Act of the Parliament of Uganda.

The new facility is dedicated to assembling vehicles and full-scale manufacturing, ensuring that the products are truly "Made in Uganda." It is equipped to produce a variety of armored vehicles for the military, police, VIP protection, and other security applications. This local production capability is expected to significantly reduce Uganda's dependence on imported armored vehicles, fostering economic self-sufficiency and technological advancement.

The partnership was first announced in late 2021, with the establishment of NEC-Streit Uganda Ltd. dedicated a year later. This venture is part of a broader initiative to strengthen Uganda's defense industry, providing a range of security solutions that include technology transfer. The collaboration also envisions the production of additional security equipment such as unmanned aerial vehicles, armored boats, and advanced communication systems.

President Museveni's opening of the NEC-Streit facility underscores the importance of this project in enhancing Uganda's defense capabilities and economic development. The factory is not only expected to create numerous employment opportunities but also significantly contribute to the local economy, fostering economic self-sufficiency and technological advancement.

This development aligns with Uganda's broader strategy to increase its self-reliance and bolster its defense industry. By integrating advanced technologies and local expertise, the NEC-Streit partnership is set to position Uganda as a key player in the regional defense market, providing robust security solutions to meet both local and international demands.

The Tornado, a 4x4 Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle, features a classic body-on-frame design with a V-shaped armored hull that provides exceptional mine protection. It offers advanced protective features, superior off-road mobility, and is capable of operating in urban, mountainous, and challenging rural terrains. Conceptually similar to the Streit Typhoon, the Tornado benefits from the same advanced design and testing, ensuring the highest level of security.

Engineered to withstand ballistic arms fire, mine blasts, IEDs, and other emerging threats, the Tornado’s V-shaped hull is designed to deflect blast waves and debris away from the crew compartment. Its superior mobility ensures that troops can traverse dangerous terrain under the riskiest conditions, making it highly effective against IEDs. The vehicle features a tire inflation system controlled by the driver on the move, capable of maintaining tire pressure even with up to four bullet punctures.

The standard seating configuration includes positions for the driver, commander, gunner, and seats for eight additional crew members. The Tornado provides protection against both blast and ballistic threats up to STANAG 4569 Level 3. It is equipped with proven rigid axles, ensuring simple and economical maintenance when sophisticated repair facilities are unavailable.

Primarily designed as a mounted infantry troop carrier, the Tornado 4x4 is also suitable for military convoy protection, border patrol, counterinsurgency operations, troop transportation, medical evacuation, command and control, or as a forward observation platform (FOO). Global Defence News