DCD unveils new Bushbuck mine-protected vehicle

South African defence engineering firm DCD Defence has unveiled its newest vehicle, the Bushbuck light tactical vehicle, at the Africa Aerospace and Defence expo. Designed for border patrol and security applications, the Bushbuck can serve as a command vehicle for special forces, gendarmerie work, and VIP protection. DCD Acting Chief Executive Catherine Pearson highlighted the event as an excellent opportunity to showcase the company's innovative mine detection and landmine clearance technology.

Technical advisor Koos Joubert explained that the design of the Bushbuck incorporates a wide range of specifications, including mobility, performance, comfort, safety, firepower, payload, and ease of manufacture. The company has successfully developed a balanced vehicle that caters to the diverse needs of customers in Africa and beyond.

The Bushbuck boasts versatility, capable of serving as an armoured personnel carrier, command vehicle, cargo truck, or ambulance. DCD Defence has also manufactured the renowned Husky mine detection vehicles, which have been in operation since 1981, and the Springbuck family of armoured personnel carriers. Africa faces the world's largest mine contamination issue, with improvised explosive devices (IEDs) increasingly used by non-state armed groups and terrorist organizations.

Pearson emphasized that the Husky landmine detection vehicle has demonstrated exceptional performance, surviving 7,500 real-life blasts without a single loss of life and being easily repairable in the field. DCD Defence's vehicles are currently being deployed in multiple African countries and worldwide, with the Springbuck range also employed by South Africa's Border Management Authority at key ports of entry like Beitbridge.