- Haiti has received the first Senator RAM MRAP armored vehicles from Canadian manufacturer Roshel as part of an order of 17.
- Haitian defense officials said the vehicles will support mobility and security operations against armed gangs.
The Armed Forces of Haiti have taken delivery of new armored vehicles intended to support mobility and security missions as the country continues efforts to counter gang violence and improve territorial stability.
According to Haitian military officials, several Senator RAM MRAP armored personnel carriers were handed over on November 8 as part of a government procurement effort.
A military delegation led by Major General Jonas Jean, the deputy commander of the Haitian Armed Forces, represented the institution during the ceremony. The vehicles, produced by the Canadian defense manufacturer Roshel, were supplied to enhance operational transportation and provide protected mobility for security forces operating in areas affected by gang activity and armed groups.
Haitian officials said the delivery represents the first portion of an initial order for 17 armored vehicles. The order is expected to include combat-configured variants in addition to personnel carriers. Last month, Defense Minister Jean-Michel Moïse stated that the procurement program forms part of a broader effort to rebuild core capabilities within the Haitian Armed Forces. The minister said the government is also pursuing the acquisition of aircraft and naval platforms, according to Haitian authorities.
During the handover, presidential adviser Leslie Voltaire said negotiations were ongoing to expand air and maritime capabilities. Haitian authorities described the developments as part of a phased approach to restore institutional capacity and expand government presence in areas where state control has weakened.
The newly delivered Senator RAM MRAPs are designed to protect occupants from small arms fire, improvised explosives, and ambush threats. The vehicles are commonly used for internal security missions, patrol duties and convoy operations. Their arrival supports ongoing military and police actions aimed at regaining access routes, escorting humanitarian deliveries, and reinforcing installations considered vulnerable to attack.
In October, Ram Professional announced a new collaboration with Roshel to produce an updated version of the Senator based on the Ram 5500 Chassis Cab platform. In a statement, the company said, “With the Ram 5500 Chassis Cab’s outstanding payload capacity and exceptional durability, it’s no wonder the military defense vehicle company, Roshel, is partnering with Ram to produce one of their Senator armored vehicles on the Ram Chassis platform.”
Ram noted that the new variant will be unveiled later this year at defense industry events in North America. The company described the partnership as an initial step toward a broader working relationship with what it called a “prominent name in military vehicles.”
The transfer of armored vehicles to the Haitian Armed Forces comes amid heightened attention on the country’s security environment. Haitian military personnel have been operating in support of internal stabilization efforts, often in close coordination with other security agencies. The capacity to move forces in protected vehicles has been viewed as a necessary requirement for operations in urban districts where gangs maintain armed control and conduct attacks on police stations, government buildings and civilian centers.