Russia confirms ongoing discussions with African nations on Typhoon-PVO air defense vehicle procurement.

As reported by TASS on February 20, 2025, the Russian Typhoon-PVO air defense vehicle has drawn interest from African nations, according to Vyacheslav Dzirkaln, Deputy General Director of the Almaz-Antey Air Defense Concern. Speaking at the IDEX-2025 defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi, he stated that African countries are assessing this system for deployment in localized conflicts where large-scale air threats, such as cruise missiles and modern aviation, are not the primary operational concern.
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The Typhoon-PVO carries nine MANPADS, including the Verba system, which can intercept targets moving at up to 420 m/s within an engagement range of 500 to 6,000 meters and a maximum altitude of 3.2 kilometers. (Picture source: OPKRF)

The Typhoon-PVO was developed in response to the requirement for a vehicle capable of improving the mobility and protection of MANPADS (Man-Portable Air Defense Systems) operators. Previously, such teams relied on standard military trucks or armored personnel carriers, which lacked features specifically designed for air defense operations. The project was initiated by the Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant "Kupol" with support from the Almaz-Antey group. The vehicle is based on the KamAZ-4386 chassis, a variant of the Typhoon-VDV platform designed for airborne forces. The chassis was selected due to its armored protection, mobility, and capability to be adapted for multiple operational roles.

The Typhoon-PVO has been presented at multiple defense exhibitions, including Aero India 2025 and the World Defense Show 2024 in Saudi Arabia. It has also undergone practical assessments, including two early prototypes participating in China’s 2019 Clear Sky competition, a 9.5-kilometer obstacle course with 12 obstacles, including slalom sections, a water crossing, and simulated urban and mountainous terrain. Russian crews completed the course in 43 minutes and 30 seconds while engaging airborne and ground targets, finishing in second place. Additionally, four Typhoon-PVO units were included in the 2021 Victory Day Parade in Moscow, indicating its integration into Russia’s armed forces.

The Typhoon-PVO is operated by a five-person crew, consisting of a commander, driver, machine gunner, and two anti-aircraft gunners. The vehicle carries nine MANPADS, including the Verba system, which can intercept targets moving at up to 420 m/s within an engagement range of 500 to 6,000 meters and a maximum altitude of 3.2 kilometers. It can receive targeting data from higher-echelon command posts and be integrated into multi-layered air defense networks alongside systems such as the Tor-M2. This integration enables the Typhoon-PVO to utilize radar data from the Tor-M2 while engaging targets with its MANPADS and onboard 12.7mm Kord machine gun. Depending on its configuration, the Typhoon-PVO can also be used as a command vehicle in conjunction with the Tor-M2 system. 

The machine gun is turret-mounted and can be fired while the vehicle is in motion, with operational fire capability maintained at speeds of up to 20 km/h. Two roof hatches allow the machine gunner and a MANPADS operator to engage targets while remaining inside the armored hull. The vehicle’s armor provides protection against small-arms fire and fragmentation. It is equipped with digital and voice communication systems, navigation equipment, and automated targeting systems.

The KamAZ-650 engine produces 350 horsepower, allowing a top speed of 100 km/h and an operational range exceeding 1,200 kilometers. The vehicle features an independent hydropneumatic suspension, enabling it to cross water obstacles up to 1.75 meters deep and climb inclines of up to 30 degrees. It has a length of approximately 6.9 meters, a width of 2.5 meters, and a height of 2.7 meters. Its combat weight is around 14 tons, allowing for transport and deployment within existing logistical frameworks.

The Typhoon-PVO is based on the KamAZ-4386 chassis, a variant of the Typhoon-VDV platform which was selected due to its armored protection, mobility, and capability to be adapted for multiple operational roles. (Picture source: OPKRF)

As the development of this new air defense vehicle is completed, the Izhevsk Electromechanical Plant "Kupol" is now promoting the export variant of the Typhoon-PVO, with African nations, Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries, and Asia-Pacific states identified as potential buyers.

Demand for air defense systems in Africa is influenced by several factors, such as the increased use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and low-cost drones by non-state actors, including insurgent groups and militias, which has exposed gaps in air defense capabilities across the region. Armed groups have employed both commercial and military-grade drones for reconnaissance and strikes, creating a requirement for counter-UAV systems and short-range air defense assets. Many African military forces rely on Soviet-era air defense systems that lack modern radar, electronic warfare integration, and networked capabilities. As a result, some nations are evaluating newer systems to address evolving aerial threats in asymmetric warfare and urban operations.

Ongoing conflicts and security concerns in regions such as the Sahel, Horn of Africa, and parts of Central and West Africa have led to increased interest in mobile, rapidly deployable air defense platforms. Countries such as Nigeria, Egypt, and Algeria have examined options to modernize their air defense capabilities to counter airborne threats posed by armed groups and regional adversaries. Shifts in defense procurement strategies and regional geopolitical considerations have also influenced acquisition choices, with some African states seeking to diversify their suppliers beyond Russia and France. The growing presence of Chinese and Turkish defense companies in the African market has introduced alternative air defense options. Cost is another consideration, as many African nations prioritize affordable, modular systems that can integrate into existing force structures without significant infrastructure modifications. In this context, the Typhoon-PVO is being considered by multiple countries as a potential air defense solution due to its mobility, operational flexibility, and adaptability to localized security conditions.